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.

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.

"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.

King Ships And Durians 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations

May 31,2024,marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.The past half century has fostered deep mutual trust,close cooperation,and cultural connections between the two countries.Malaysia was the first member of ASEAN to advocate dialogue between China and ASEAN and one of the first countries to express support for the Belt and Road Initiative.Over the past 15 years,China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner,and its investment in Malaysia has maintained a robust growth.Cooperation between the two continues gaining momentum across all sectors.

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.

Malaysia-China Relations:Exemplary Model for ASEAN

Five Decades(1974-2024)of Harmonious and Mutually Beneficial Partnership Fifty years ago in May 1974,the second Prime Minister of Malaysia,Tun Abdul Razak,journeyed to Beijing,China,to start a new and strategic chapter in Malaysia-China relations.It was a visionary and courageous initiative by Malaysia that commenced resetting Malaysia's foreign policy towards non-alignment and building mutual trust with China.

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.

Mutual Respect and Win-Win Cooperation 50 years of China-Malaysia relations

Friendly exchanges between China and Malaysia date back more than 2,000 years,and a profound traditional friendship has been forged between the two countries.By adhering to the principles of mutual trust,win-win cooperation,and equal assistance,China and Malaysia have become good neighbors,good friends,and good partners.In 2013,China and Malaysia established a comprehensive strategic partnership,accelerating the development of bilateral relations.

Chronology of 50 Years of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia.Over the past half century,China and Malaysia have maintained close economic and trade ties and intensified people-to-people exchanges.China and Malaysia are important trade partners and enjoy complementary economic advantages.

EYE ON EMERGING INDUSTRIES ASEAN(Malaysia)-China Conference on Emerging Industries aims to foster new growth points in China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation

On June 5,the opening ceremony of the ASEAN(Malaysia)-China Conference on Emerging Industries took place in Kuala Lumpur.The conference was guided and hosted by ASEAN-China Centre(ACC),China International Communications Group(CICG),and Ministry of Investment,Trade,and Industry of Malaysia(MITI),and co-hosted by the CICG Center for Asia-Pacific,National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia(NCCIM),Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia(ACCCIM),and China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia(CECCM).More than 300 guests from government departments,business communities,and academia of China and Malaysia attended.

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.

A Golden Journey: Celebrating 50 Years of China-Malaysia Trade and Economic Cooperation

As we approach the golden jubilee of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations in May 2024,it is both timely and essential to reflect on the journey that has shaped one of the most dynamic and influential economic partnerships in Asia.This 50-year saga is not merely a story of diplomatic ties;it is a testament to enduring friendship,strategic cooperation and mutual growth that have significantly impacted both nations and the wider region.The relationship between Malaysia and China,which formally began in 1974,was groundbreaking in many respects.It symbolized not only Malaysia’s commitment to a forward-looking foreign policy but also China’s expanding engagement with Southeast Asia.Over the decades,this relationship has evolved from tentative initial contact into a robust,multifaceted partnership.

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.

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.

Molecular epidemiology of piliated pneumococcal isolates at a major tertiary hospital in the Klang Valley,Malaysia

Objective:To characterise a collection of pili-carrying and none pili-carrying pneumococcal isolates of clinical origin for serotypes,antibiotic resistance and genotype.Methods:In total,42 clinical isolates were collected between October 2017 and December 2019.Those isolates were analysed for antimicrobial susceptibility,serotype distribution,detection of pneumococcal virulence and pilus genes.Multilocus sequence typing was performed only for piliated isolates,followed by phylogenetic analysis.Results:The common isolation sites among the pneumococcal isolates were tracheal aspirate(28.6%),blood(26.2%),and sputum(23.8%).Fifty percent isolates were resistant to erythromycin,tetracycline(50.0%)and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(43.0%).The most frequent were serotypes 19F(28.6%),6A/B(23.8%)and 19A(14.3%).Piliated isolates were detected in a small proportion(33.3%);64.3%were multidrug-resistant.ST320 was the prevalent sequence type among the piliated isolates and genetically related to the Pneumococcal Molecular Epidemiology Network clones Taiwan19F-14(CC271).In the phylogenetic analysis,some piliated isolates showed a close association having similar ST320,carrying serotype 19A and both pilus genes indicating their clonal spread.Conclusions:Pneumococcal lineages of piliated isolates have been globally disseminated and pili could have played a role in the spread of antibiotic resistant clones.

Insecticide resistance status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in Malaysia(2010 to 2022):A review

This review aimed to determine the prevalence of the insecticide resistance status of the field-collected Aedes(Ae.)aegypti and Ae.albopictus in Malaysia from 2010 to 2022 towards carbamates,organochlorines,organophosphates and pyrethroids.Biological and environmental controls were summarized with an emphasis on the mosquito vector control strategies in Malaysia.The information in this review was extracted from several databases such as PubMed(MEDLINE),Science Direct and Scopus by using keywords including“insecticide resistance”,“carbamate resistance”,“organochlorine resistance”,“organophosphate resistance”,“pyrethroid resistance”,“Aedes”and“Malaysia”,between January 2022 and December 2022.Distribution of resistant Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus in Malaysia was mapped using QGIS software.Insecticide resistance in both Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus is widespread in Malaysia,although the rates vary by states.The most notable was the steep increase in permethrin resistance of Ae.aegypti in Selangor,Malaysia,over the past decade.Ae.albopictus also displayed moderate resistance to permethrin,though not as widespread as Ae.aegypti in Selangor,but showed sign of resistance in Sarawak,East Malaysia.Resistance towards four main classes of insecticides have been widely documented in Malaysia.The extensive resistance towards permethrin in Malaysia which is one of the current insecticides used in Malaysia suggested that policies supporting the widespread use of permethrin fogging needs further evaluation.

Postvaccination breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections among adults in Malaysia and attitudes towards future vaccination

Objective:To determine the frequency and severity of the breakthrough infections and the associated factors in Malaysia.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult general population in Malaysia who completed at least one dose of vaccination.The validated online questionnaires were used for data collection between December 2022 to February 2023.The participants were recruited by a convenient sampling method.The data were analysed by descriptive statistics,and logistic regression by using SPSS(Version 27).Qualitative data from open-ended questions were analysed as thematic analysis by using RQDA software.Results:A total of 524 participants'data were analyzed and 77.5%of them completed three doses of COVID-19 vaccination.Breakthrough infections after vaccination were reported in 57.3%of the participants.Age group of 18 and 30 years(aOR 2.32,95%CI 1.01-5.32)and other ethnicities(aOR 2.00,95%CI 1.02-3.93)significantly associated with the occurrence of breakthrough infections.A total of 35.5%of the participants were not willing to take another booster dose in the future because of their attitudes towards fear of long-term side effects,lack of trust to the vaccine,less susceptibility to severe infection,belief in natural immunity,and myths.Conclusions:Future public health policies and interventions should be focused on disseminating the information about safety of booster doses of vaccine,management and re-assurance of side effects,and targeted vaccination to the working(younger age group)and ethnic minorities.