U-Pb zircon ages and petrogeochemistry and tectonic implications of gabbro and granite in southwest Lahad Datu area of Sabah, Malaysia

The southwest Lahad Datu felsic rocks were previously thought to have formed in the late Triassic as part of the microcontinental crystalline basement.Based on U-Pb ages,geochemistry,and the Hfisotopes of zircon from the southeastern Sabah gabbro and granite,in this study,the tectonic properties of the Sabah area during the Triassic were investigated.The weighted average U-Pb zircon ages of the gabbro and granite samples were determined to be(230.9±2.5)Ma and(207.1±3.3)Ma,respectively.The granite had SiO_(2) contents of 66.54%-79.47%,low TiO_(2) contents of 0.08%-0.3%,Al_(2)O_(3) contents of 10.97%-16.22%,Na_(2)O contents of 5.91 %-6.39%,and low K_(2)O contents of 0.15%-0.65%.The chondrite-normalized rare earth element(REE) patterns exhibit light REE enrichment,with right-sloping curves.The primitive mantle-normalized trace element spider diagrams exhibit Th,U,La,Sr,and Zr enrichment and Nb,Ta,P and Ti depletions,i.e.,the geochemical characteristics of typical island arc igneous rocks.The tectonic discriminant diagram indicates that the granite is a volcanic arc granite.The Hf isotopic an alysis of gabbro zircon revealed that the zircons have ε_(Hf)(t)values of 12.08-16.24(mean of 14.32) and two-stage model ages(t_(DM2)) of 223-491 Ma(mean of 347 Ma).This indicates that the diagenetic magma of the gabbro was mainly derived from melting of newly formed crustal materials.The ophiolite in southeast Sabah has existed since the early Late Triassic.The crystalline basement granite in southeastern S abah was emplaced lasted from late Triassic to early Cretaceous.Based on previous studies and global plate reconstruction models,it is speculated that the southeastern Sabah granite may have been formed in an island arc setting,i.e.,where the oceanic crust of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean collided with the oceanic crust of the Panthalassa Ocean.

GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS AND GEOTECTONIC DEVELOPMENT OF SARAWAK AND SABAH, EAST MALAYSIA

Sarawak and Sabah forms part of the continental margin extending belt of Southeast Asia.Based on the discussion of sedimentary, magmatic and metamorphic formations resulting from geotectonic development from the Paleozoic to the Cenozoic. this area may be subdivided into two different tectonic regions. Geotectonic development and evolution of the regional crust are subsequently discussed in the paper.

An assessment of paleodepositional environment and maturity of organic matter in sediments of the Setap Shale and Belait formations in West Sabah,East Malaysia by organic geochemical methods

The black shale samples collected from two Neogene formations in the Klias Peninsula area,West Sabah,have been assessed and characterized in details by gas chromatography,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and a variety of organic geochemical parameters.The aims of this study are to describe the characteristics of organic matter of these sediments in terms of source/type of the organic matter,assess its thermal maturity and paleoenvironment of deposition,based primarily on biomarker distributions.The results of both formations do not reveal significant differences within the rock extracts.The gas chromatograms of the saturated hydrocarbon fractions of the Setap Shale and the Belait formations displayed monomodal n-alkane distributions and nearly identical regular sterane compositions with a predominance of C27 regular steranes.These are consistent with open marine depositional environments dominated by marine biological matter.Another related feature of these rock extracts is the presence of a high relative abundance of gammacerane,indicating anoxic marine hypersaline source depositional environment.The relatively high abundance of common land plant-derived biomarkers,such as bicadinanes and oleananes,is a clear indication of a major terrigenous input to the source of the extractable organic matter.The predominance of oleanane biomarkers in both formations is indicative of angiospermis input and Tertiary source rocks.The high C29/C30 hopane ratios,moderate development of C33-C35 hopanes,high abundance of tricyclic terpanes and a slight predominance of C27 regular sterane over C28 and C29 steranes are characteristic features tending to suggest a significant marine influence on these source rocks,thereby suggesting a mixed source input.The 22S/(22S+22R)C32 hopane ratio has reached equilibrium,and this is supported by the high maturity level as indicated by the 22S/22SC31-33 extended hopane ratios and 20S/(20S+20R)C29 regular steranes ratios.

Chemical composition of the Tertiary black shales of West Sabah, East Malaysia

The X-ray fluorescence and ICP methods were used to analyze 60 outcrop samples of black shale, of which 15 were collected from Belait, 15 from the Setap Shale, 15 from Temburong, and 15 from the Trusmadi for- mations. The average compositions of the shales from the study area are 64.62%, 63.95%, 62.32%, 63.84% SiO2, 1.84%, 2.14%, 2.04%, 1.99% MgO, 2.55%, 3.12%, 2.89%, 2.72% K2O, 0.32%, 0.30%, 0.32%, 0.53% CaO, 5.86%, 6.06%, 7.14%, 6.60% Fe2O3, 207×10-6, 180×10-6, 213×10-6, 200×10-6 Rb, and 56×10-6, 49×10-6, 50×10-6, 32×10-6 Sr for the Setap Shale, Temburong, Belait and Trusmadi samples, respectively. The high Rb/Sr ratios of 3.8, 3.7, 4.2, and 6.1 are attributed to the lowest contents of Sr due to reducing conditions prevailing. The high Rb/K ratio sug- gests either brackish marine or rapid deposition that prevented equilibrium between Rb and K in the shales and ma- rine waters.

Conflict Within the Boundary of Nature Reserve： The Case of Crocker Range Park in Sabah, Malaysia

For the formation of nature reserves can directly affect the livelihood of indigenous people living in the area, negotiation between the authority and the community is crucial to the management of the natural resources. Crocker Range Park is the largest state park in Sabah state, Malaysia. Since there is a village community living within the boundary of the nature reserve, the state government and the villagers have had a conflict over the land rights. Until the government and the village delegation reached an agreement on the park＇s management plan in 2015, three actors intervened in the conflict： PACOS Trust, Japan International Cooperation Agency （JICA）, and Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers （JOCV）. In this study, these interventions by different actors were analyzed with the Tripartite Conflict Management （TCM} model. The results indicate that JOCV was the sole actor that was able to communicate with both the state government and the villagers. To support the result, a preliminary research was conducted, and the villagers＇ perception was investigated through a questionnaire survey. This paper concludes that JOCV was perceived as an actor that can be trusted more than JICA and the state government. This conclusion supports the result of the analysis of TCM model.

Comparison among the UECM Model, and the Composite Model in Forecasting Malaysian Imports

For more than a century, forecasting models have been crucial in a variety of fields. Models can offer the most accurate forecasting outcomes if error terms are normally distributed. Finding a good statistical model for time series predicting imports in Malaysia is the main target of this study. The decision made during this study mostly addresses the unrestricted error correction model (UECM), and composite model (Combined regression—ARIMA). The imports of Malaysia from the first quarter of 1991 to the third quarter of 2022 are employed in this study’s quarterly time series data. The forecasting outcomes of the current study demonstrated that the composite model offered more probabilistic data, which improved forecasting the volume of Malaysia’s imports. The composite model, and the UECM model in this study are linear models based on responses to Malaysia’s imports. Future studies might compare the performance of linear and nonlinear models in forecasting.

Informing policy makers in developing countries:Practices and limitations of geriatric home medication review in Malaysia-A qualitative inquiry

Objective:To explore existing practices and challenges in the delivery of geriatric home medication review(HMR).The study was part of a larger study aimed to offer solution to expand the range of geriatric HMR.Methods:This study employed qualitative exploratory design through semi-structured individual in-depth interviews with the public pharmacists involved in the delivery of geriatric HMR at public hospitals.The purpose of the interviews was to explore challenges faced by them in the delivery of geriatric HMR.Results:Based on the emerging themes from the qualitative data,the study reveals that geriatric HMR in Malaysia is integrated as part of multidisciplinary home care visits,encompassing a diverse patient population with various healthcare needs.However,it faces challenges such as the lack of outcome monitoring,formal training,and workforce constraints.Despite these hurdles,there is a pressing need for the expansion of this service to better serve the community,and collaboration with community pharmacists holds potential to broaden its scope.Ultimately,the findings suggest that pharmacist-led HMR is both warranted and feasible within the Malaysian healthcare context.In order to optimize medicine-use among older people living in the community,approaches for expanding geriatric HMR services in Malaysia must be developed.Conclusions:This study holds profound implications as it attempts to illuminate policy makers in developing countries,enabling them to formulate effective HMR plans.By considering the challenges highlighted within this research,policy makers can design a comprehensive HMR service that caters adeptly to the healthcare needs of the mass population.

"Building the Best Platform for Capacity Cooperation Between China and Malaysia"

Kuantan,the capital of Pahang State on the east coast of Malaysia,is a quiet town,where the Kuantan River winds and flows into the sea.The Malaysia-China Kuantan Industry Park,a major project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a demonstration base for cross-border international capacity cooperation,is located here.Since the official opening of the park in 2013,it has created an innovative model of economic cooperation between the two countries.In 2023,on the 10th Anniversary of the Kuantan Industrial Park,a new development plan was launched again-the 3rd plot of the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industry Park,known as Malaysia-China Kuantan International Logistics Park,was officially started.

A Linguistic Pilgrimage Translator of Journey to the West dedicated to promoting cultural communication between Malaysia and China

As the melody of Where Is the Way sounded,the westward journey of a Tang Dynasty Buddhist monk and his disciples,as portrayed by students from a Malaysian Chinese national-type primary school,won thunderous applause from the audience.This scene unfolded during the Malay drama competition held in October 2023 at the auditorium of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka in Kuala Lumpur.Although the characters and plot were familiar,the Malay rendition offered a refreshing novelty.

Tapping Wet Potential China and Malaysia join hands to develop marine biotechnology

Kappaphycus alvarezii(K.alvarezii)is a perennial large algae native to tropical and subtropical regions.With a slender thallus,it branches better at the upper part than the lower end.The sea moss is mainly found in Hainan Province,China,and Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines because it grows best in the subtidal zone of clean.

Strengthening Ties, Shaping Futures The strategic evolution of Malaysia-China relations

In the annals of diplomacy,few narratives are as compelling as that of Malaysia-China relations:a saga of cooperation and mutual respect that has endured for over five decades.Rooted in the historic visit of second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak to China in May 1974,this relationship has blossomed into a multifaceted partnership bolstered by visionary leadership and a commitment to shared prosperity.

China-Malaysia Infrastructure Cooperation Enhancing Malaysia’s Development

Infrastructure construction by Chinese enterprises in Malaysia began in 1984.In recent years,Chinese enterprises have continuously improved their technical abilities while keeping pricing reasonable and guaranteeing completion deadlines when building in Malaysia.Over the years,Malaysia has gradually recognized the professionalism and capability of Chinese enterprises.Since 2013,policy support from Malaysia has accelerated Chinese infrastructure construction there.Bilateral infrastructure cooperation in sectors of transportation,electricity,renewable energy,and the digital economy has helped Malaysia improve its development environment.

Everyone Wins with China and Malaysia

China-Malaysia economic cooperation began in 1974.Over the last 50 years,direct investment and trade ties have been the heart of bilateral economic cooperation.While injecting continuous momentum to the two countries’economic development,such cooperation has been exemplary for China’s cooperation with ASEAN member states.

Durian Time Ripe opportunity to export Malaysian durians to China

Relentlessly high temperatures sweep across Malaysia to signal the arrival of summer.Facing a survival crisis,durian trees are eager to reproduce,and they blossom hastily,with white flowers quickly drooping down.More than 100 days later,durian fruits featuring spiky exteriors and creamy flesh become ripe and fall from the trees,emitting a uniquely captivating aroma.This marks the arrival of durian season.

On the Relationship between Chinese Language Education in Malaysia and Indonesia with Their National Conditions

Chinese language education exists in both Malaysia and Indonesia. The commonalities and individualities of the national conditions of both countries have an impact on their Chinese language education. The official languages scripts, and major beliefs of the two countries are quite similar, and under their influence, local Chinese have special expectations for Chinese language education. Compared to Indonesia, Malaysian Chinese have a larger proportion of the population and a tendency towards marriage, which to some extent is more conducive to the Chinese language education of local Chinese. Both countries’ national conditions and personalities have unfavorable factors for local Chinese language education.

Antihyperlipidemic activity of the medicinal plants among Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah,Malaysia:a review

Sabah is one of the 13 states within the Federation of Malaysia and is located in the northernmost part of Borneo.It is the second largest state in Malaysia with a landmass of approximately 7.4million hectares.The total forested area is 4.7 million hectares.Sabah,being part of Borneo,is rich in plant biodiversity.There is also an abundance of medicinal plants and other plants for everyday use.There is a great awarness regarding association between low density lipoprotein reduction and decreased cardiovascular disease mortality.The antihyperlipidaemic activity of herbs plays an important role in the reduction of cardiovascular diseases,which is the top disease that causes mortality all over the world.Lipid-lowering activity of medicinal plant for phytomedicine research and drug development for such a disease are now focused all over the world.A plant-based diet rich in fruit,vegetables,and legumes and low in saturated fat is an effective prescription for anyone with more severe atherosclerosis.Howerver,there are few herbs available that provide some protection for persons with the above disease.The antihyperlipidaemia property in plant plays a vital role to reduce atherosclerosis.Thus,there is an increasing search for the lipid lowering agents from natural origin.In this review an attempt has been made to give an overview of the antihyperlipidemic activity in traditional medicinal plants found widely in Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah,Malaysia.The antihyperlipidemic activity of the traditional medicinal plants in these communities is more helpful for the development of new drugs used in the protection against dyslipidemia or atherosclerosis.

Hybridized Intelligent Neural Network Optimization Model for Forecasting Prices of Rubber in Malaysia

Rubber producers,consumers,traders,and those who are involved in the rubber industry face major risks of rubber price fluctuations.As a result,decision-makers are required to make an accurate estimation of the price of rubber.This paper aims to propose hybrid intelligent models,which can be utilized to forecast the price of rubber in Malaysia by employing monthly Malaysia’s rubber pricing data,spanning from January 2016 to March 2021.The projected hybrid model consists of different algorithms with the symbolic Radial Basis Functions Neural Network k-Satisfiability Logic Mining(RBFNN-kSAT).These algorithms,including Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm,Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm,and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm were utilized in the forecasting data analysis.Several factors,which affect the monthly price of rubber,such as rubber production,total exports of rubber,total imports of rubber,stocks of rubber,currency exchange rate,and crude oil prices were also considered in the analysis.To evaluate the results of the introduced model,a comparison has been conducted for each model to identify the most optimum model for forecasting the price of rubber.The findings showed that GWO with RBFNN-kSAT represents the most accurate and efficient model compared with ABC with RBFNNkSAT and PSO with RBFNN-kSAT in forecasting the price of rubber.The GWO with RBFNN-kSAT obtained the greatest average accuracy(92%),with a better correlation coefficient R=0.983871 than ABC with RBFNN-kSAT and PSO with RBFNN-kSAT.Furthermore,the empirical results of this study provided several directions for policymakers to make the right decision in terms of devising proper measures in the industry to address frequent price changes so that the Malaysian rubber industry maintains dominance in the international markets.

Selected fermented indigenous vegetables and fruits from Malaysia as potential sources of natural probiotics for improving gut health

In the Peninsular Malaysia and Northern Borneo island of Malaysia, various rich indigenous leafy vegetables and fruits grow and contribute to the nutritional and dietary values of the population. They have high water contents, thus, naturally vulnerable to rapid food spoilage. Food preservation and processing play a vital role in the inhibition of food pathogens in fruits and vegetables that are prevalent in Malaysia. Lactic acid fermentation is generally a local-based bioprocess, among the oldest form and well-known for food-processing techniques among indigenous people there. The long shelf life of fermented vegetables and fruits improves their nutritional values and antioxidant potentials. Fermented leaves and vegetables can be utilized as a potential source of probiotics as they are host for several lactic acid bacteria such as Lactobacillus confusus, Weissella paramesenteroides, Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus pentosus, Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. These strains may be more viable in metabolic systems whereby they can contribute to a substantial increase in essential biologically active element than industrial starter cultures. This review is aimed to address some essential fermented fruits and vegetables in Malaysia and their remarkable reputations as a potential sources of natural probiotics.

Guidelines from an expert panel for the management of diabetic macular edema in the Malaysian population

AIM:To derive a Malaysia guideline and consensus as part of the Malaysia Retina Group's efforts for diagnosis,treatment,and best practices of diabetic macular edema(DME).The experts'panel suggests that the treatment algorithm to be divided into groups according to involvement the central macula.The purpose of DME therapy is to improve edema and achieve the best visual results with the least amount of treatment load.METHODS:On two different occasions,a panel of 14 retinal specialists from Malaysia,together with an external expert,responded to a questionnaire on management of DME.A consensus was sought by voting after compiling,analyzing and discussion on first-phase replies on the round table discussion.A recommendation was deemed to have attained consensus when 12 out of the 14 panellists(85%)agreed with it.RESULTS:The terms target response,adequate response,nonresponse,and inadequate response were developed when the DME patients'treatment responses were first characterized.The panelists reached agreement on a number of DME treatment-related issues,including the need to classify patients prior to treatment,firstline treatment options,the right time to switch between treatment modalities,and side effects associated with steroids.From this agreement,recommendations were derived and a treatment algorithm was created.CONCLUSION:A detail and comprehensive treatment algorithm by Malaysia Retina Group for the Malaysian population provides guidance for treatment allocation of patients with DME.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Smartphone Addiction among Adolescents–A Nationwide Study in Malaysia

Smartphone ownership among adolescents is getting common in this decade especially in Malaysia;Adolescent are strongly devoted to their smartphone and this may lead to smartphone addiction.Studies have reported that smartphone addiction has become an emerging social and health problem especially among the youth in many countries however there is lack of study among adolescents in Malaysia.This study aimed to examine the prevalence and factors associated with smartphone addiction among adolescents in Malaysia.This was a cross-sectional study involving adolescents from 15 primary care clinics throughout the country.Respondents were assessed on their smartphone activities using the Malaysian short version of the Smartphone addiction scale(SAS-M-SV).Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of smartphone addiction among adolescents.The study was conducted among 921 adolescents with 49.6%male(n=457).The mean age of adolescents was 16.4±2.4 years.The ethnicity distribution were 74.6%Malay,7.3%Chinese,4.7%Indian and 13.4%other ethnicities.The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 37.1%(342/921);37.4%in male and 36.9%in female.Based on multiple logistic regression analysis,longer duration of smartphone use per week was associated with higher odds of smartphone addiction among adolescent(odd ratio=1.005%,95%confidence interval=1.000–1.009,p-value=0.039).Smartphone addiction is present in nearly four in ten adolescents in Malaysia.Adolescents who spend longer duration in smartphone usage per week were associated with higher odds of having smartphone addiction.Parents should be more alert and vigilant about this finding.Hence,parents should limit their children from spending too much of time with smartphone in order to prevent their children from getting smartphone addiction.