Discrete Simulation of Flexible Plate Structure Using State-Space Formulation

This paper presents the development of dynamic simulation of a flexible plate structure with various boundary conditions. A flexible square plate is considered. A finite-difference method is used to discretise the governing partial differential equation formulation describing its dynamic behaviour. The model thus developed has been validated against characteristic parameters of the plate. The model thus developed is further formulated using discrete state-space representation, to allow easy and fast implementation for simulating the dynamic behaviour of the plate with various boundary conditions. The simulation algorithm thus developed is validated, and accurate results with representation of the first five modes of vibration of the plate have been achieved. The algorithm thus developed is used in subsequent research work as a platform for development and verification of suitable control strategies for vibration suppression of flexible plate structures.

Property Tax Performance of Local Authorities in Malaysia

Property tax income of local authorities has become more challenging due to robust developments. Property tax revenue is the main income for local authorities that are used to pay for services and maintenance in the local authority administrative areas. However, the amount of revenue collected is decreasing due to the serious problem of property tax arrears that affects the administrative system and as a corollary, the delivery of services by local authorities. The performance measurement of property tax is very important in order to manage the services, and for maintenance and development of sustainable local authorities. Therefore, this paper represents a review of the Malaysian local authority property tax collection performance. The rating system is applied to address the performance of property tax collection in Malaysia. The result revealed that most of the property tax collection in Malaysia performed under inadequate level. Property tax collection statistics for the research include the total revenue and property tax arrears for each local authority in Malaysia within five years from 2004 to 2007. It is expected that this property tax performance will be employed as a basis to pursue the appropriate, innovative, and creative approaches for local authorities in Malaysia.

Local Community Participation in Homestay Program Development in Malaysia

The tourism industry is the second largest economic contributor in Malaysia, following the manufacturing sector. In 2008, recorded tourist arrivals reached 22.05 million and resulted in RM49.6 billion （USD13.4 billion） in revenue. The government has recognized the tourism industry in Malaysia as an engine for economic, social, political and ecological development, especially in rural areas. The Homestay Program is actively promoted by the Ministry of Tourism as a type of community based tourism in Malaysia. It is realized by the government as a catalyst for rural community development, particularly from a socio-economic perspective. The benefits of community based tourism can be further developed through the participation of women, youth and retired people. To realize the potential of the Homestay Program, the Malaysian Rural Tourism Master Plan 2001 was formulated. In the Malaysian Plan （2006-2010）, one of the points of focus by the government is on community development; rural tourism is one of the mechanisms. By June 2009, there had been 3,264 participants in 140 Homestays. Recently, the Ministry of Tourism has given the Homestay Program special emphasis. Under the 9th Malaysia Plan, a total of RM40 million was allocated to the ministry for upgrading infrastructure and facilities in participating villages. Developing the capabilities of local communities is an important component in ensuring the tourism development project benefits them; without supporting the communities in their endeavors, the physical development means nothing to them. If local communities are not equipped to actively participate, third parties could easily manipulate them, resulting in external domination of tourism development. Therefore, this descriptive study explores the motivation of local communities involved in the Homestay Program and the readiness among the local communities, as well as the appropriateness of training provided by government agencies aimed towards empowering local communities. Sixty-two respondents from local communities actively involved in operating the Homestay Program participated in this study. Respondents were from the district of Muar, Johore, Malaysia （Homestay Kg. Parit Bugis, Homestay Kg. Satang Buaya, and Homestay Kg. Melayu Baharu, Bt 28 Lenga）.