The Malaysian Journal of Social Administration

Validity and Reliability of the Role of Social Support from Social Organisations on the Resilience of Rural Left-behind Children - A Pilot Study

Jiachun Liang — 2024-07-30

The aim of this paper is to present a preliminary finding based on an empirical study that aims to assess the reliability, validity, and correlation between the variables of a data collection instrument on the role of social support from social organizations in reconstructing the resilience of left-behind children in rural China through a small sample data analysis. Using a quantitative research approach, a paper questionnaire was administered to participants from first grade to third grade of junior high school. Descriptive statistical analysis and validation factor analysis were conducted on this measurement tool by applying Spss v24 and Amos v24, and after modifying the model, the final aggregated validity average variance extracted, combined reliability and discriminant validity of this measurement tool met the conditions and the correlation between the variables was good. The findings suggest that the overall data collection instrument is reliable, valid, and suitable for the forthcoming main study.

The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sustainable Development

Mohammed Mamun Or Rashid — 2024-07-30

The role of civil society organisations (CSOs) is much appreciated worldwide for their contribution. This paper aims to describe the origin and nature of CSOs in different dimensions and their commitment to sustainable development. Review of secondary sources was the key technique for data and content analysis. This paper points out that sustainable development is an essential ingredient for a safe earth, life and livelihood of the next generations and there is no alternative to it. No nation is capable of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals alone. Moreover, these goals must be anchored in the future global agenda. This paper also provides a set of policy recommendations for greater CSO engagement in sustainable development through global partnerships.

Reflections on the constant policy changes in Malaysia: The need to prioritise social impact for policy adjustments

Nurulhasanah Abdul Rahman — 2024-07-30

This article explores the role of social impact in facilitating policy adjustments in Malaysia. In particular, this article focuses on Malaysia My Second Home programme - a retirement migration programme, which has been reformed several times due to the allegations of adverse impacts on the Malaysian economy. Nevertheless, the changes made have influenced the participant’s personal life, their decision to retire abroad, and affected their well-being respectively. Not only that, the property developers, business operators, and state governments are equally at risk of revenue loss. Yet, there is a limited study that analyses this programme through the lens of prioritising social impact for policy adjustments. Hence, using policy documents and archival records from the government’s database, an analysis of the programme reforms with highlights on the social impacts is discussed in detail. The key finding of this article points to a new direction that focuses on the importance of recognising social impacts in the cost-benefit analysis in terms of social equality, diversity, and well-being rather than being heavily dependent on economic impacts in government decision-making. Therefore, this article concludes with recommendations for policymakers to start addressing social impacts in policymaking so that the government could maintain control over the policy outcomes effectively.

Measuring Rental Satisfaction Among Young Generation: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Farah Amirah Fuad — 2024-07-30

Previous studies have focused on housing affordability yet neglected the aspect of renting among the young generation. Besides, the lack of study tested on the instrument measuring renters’ satisfaction led to the aim of this study. This research uses four (4) variables such as housing conditions, housing security, housing environment, and institutional support in investigating the renters' satisfaction with their current house. A pilot study was conducted, which approached a total of 40 renters aged between 20 to 39 years old, who are currently renting in Malaysia. The findings reported on the reliability and normality results of the independent and dependent variables used in the research instrument. The results revealed that the instruments are reliable since the value of Cronbach's Alpha is more than 0.6, while the values of skewness and kurtosis are normally distributed. The findings confirm that the tested variables are significant in measuring the renters' housing satisfaction and are valid for the actual study. The study hoped to assist the government in providing a comprehensive rental policy, especially for renters, thus contributing to the richness of the housing literature.

A Conceptual Paper on Population Growth, Economic Growth and Environmental Quality Nexus in Nigeria

SULEMAN LAWAL GAMBO — 2024-07-30

This study evaluates existing evidence and proposes a conceptual framework for investigating the multifaceted dynamics of population growth and economic growth on environmental quality in Nigeria, as a developing country. Evidence on the growing ecological degradation (i.e., high population density, pollution, urban squalor, deforestation, and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions) is reviewed. The study presents theories that link human population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality, as well as the impact on human well-being and possible relationships with environmental changes. As a result, population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality are all discussed in depth as both a cause and a result of environmental changes. The empirical literature on Nigerian population growth and ecological change, as well as potential links to climatic change, is reviewed. Although there are well-known limitations to current knowledge on the relationship between population growth, economic growth, and environmental quality, the implications for future research and the application of guiding principles are numerous.

Keywords: population growth; environmental quality; economic growth; energy consumption; CO₂ emissions

Kemampuan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan Generik Menyampaikan Khidmat Kerja Sosial Onkologi di Prasarana Kesihatan Awam di Malaysia; Laporan Tinjauan Awal

Norlija Kassim — 2024-07-30

Oncology social work stands as a critical pillar in healthcare services, especially with the surging incidence of cancer cases worldwide. This paper meticulously assesses the current state of oncology social work services in government healthcare facilities in Malaysia in response to the escalating local cancer cases. By using the five standards of oncology social work services (OSWS) outlined by the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), including qualifications, services to patients and families, services to institutions and agencies, services to the community, and services to the profession, as benchmarks, it underscores the indispensable need for OSWS in healthcare institutions. Through a comprehensive review of global research on OSWS development, this paper provides a compelling rationale for the vital components that advocate for the integration of OSWS in Malaysia's government healthcare facilities. This data catalyses the implementation of robust oncology social work services within Malaysia's government healthcare system.

Penjagaan Kanak-kanak Kurang Upaya dalam Keluarga

Natrah Abdul Rani — 2024-07-30

Anak adalah aset penting keluarga. Setiap pasangan berkahwin mahukan anak sendiri. Tidak hairanlah jika kebanyakan mereka mahu mempunyai anak sendiri dalam jangka masa setahun sehingga tiga tahun selepas berkahwin. Sungguhpun begitu tidak ramai pasangan yang bersedia menerima kelahiran anak kurang upaya. Makalah ini adalah berkaitan peranan dan cabaran yang dihadapi dalam mengurus anak kurang upaya yang menghidap Sindrom CHARGE. Isu penting yang dikupas adalah berkaitan keperluan khas yang harus diberikan perhatian oleh ibu bapa dan keluarga khasnya dalam mengurus kanak-kanak berkeperluan khas. Ada di antara mereka yang diabaikan atau didiskriminasi. Terkait dengan itu makalah ini mengupas peranan Pegawai Kerja Sosial Perubatan yang menjadi perantara di antara ibu bapa, kumpulan pakar perubatan dan badan-badan kebajikan yang memberi sokongan kewangan. Bahagian akhir makalah ini membincangkan peranan dasar sosial yang berkaitan serta peranan Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat, Bahagian Kesihatan Awam, khususnya Bahagian Kesihatan Keluarga dalam mengatur dasar serta pelan tindakan yang sesuai agar dapat dimanfaatkan oleh keluarga yang memerlukan sokongan disebabkan mempunyai anak yang berkeperluan khas.

Pengalaman Sokongan Sosial Penjaga Tidak Formal Pesakit Epilepsi di Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Helen @ Rafidah Kangan @ Md.Arif — 2024-07-30

The responsibility of caring for a sick family member is a common occurrence for informal caregivers. These individuals heavily rely on the social support available to them. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable gap in research about the experiences of informal caregivers providing care for family members with epilepsy in the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah region. This qualitative study, utilising a phenomenological approach, delved into the types of social support received by primary caregivers. Through interviews with ten informants, the study uncovered that caregivers receive various types of social support, including stress relief, increased confidence, reduced fatigue, early support from medical professionals, and collective care. It is paramount to identify the specific type of social support necessary to address the challenges posed by epilepsy care. The study's findings can serve as a valuable blueprint for establishing a digital social support programme, offering a beacon of hope for epilepsy caregivers in our increasingly digitalised society.