Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia - MACFEAmacfea.com.my/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Buku-JPM-Jilid-23-Dis... · Bagi merujuk ejaan, Kamus Bahasa Inggeris Oxfo d nK D w B h y g terkini hendaklah

Fakulti Ekologi ManusiaUniversiti Putra Malaysia

Dr. Syuhaily binti Osman(Ketua Editor)


Dr. Husniyah binti Abdul Rahim

Datin Nor Rashidah binti Zainal Fakulti Pengurusan PerniagaanUniversiti Teknologi Mara


Dr. Elistina binti Abu Bakar

Pn. Leylawati binti Joremi Fakulti Ekologi ManusiaUniversiti Putra Malaysia

Fakulti Pengurusan PerniagaanUniversiti Teknologi Mara

Prof. Madya Fauziah binti Abu Bakar

Dr. Norhasmah binti Sulaiman Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains KesihatanUniversiti Putra Malaysia


Dr. Afida Mastura Muhammad Arif

Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia mengalu-alukan sumbangan manuskrip berkaitan isu ekonomi pengguna dan keluarga samada di dalam Bahasa Melayu atau Bahasa Inggeris. Manusip akan dinilai oleh embaga Pengarang. Sila kemukakan artikel anda berdasarkan garis panduan berikut kepada Ketua Pengarang Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia, Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Selangor. Email: [email protected] Penulisan dan Kertas Kerja Manuskrip perlu ditaip selang dua baris menggunakan kertas A4 dengan 1” margin untuk bahagian atas muka surat, 1.5” kiri dan 1” kanan. Bilangan muka surat tidak melebihi 15 muka surat. Semua teks mesti menggunakan saiz 12 dan Times New Roman.

Tajuk

Tajuk artikel, nama pengarang dan pengarang yang lain, alamat lengkap institusi dan email perlu dinyatakan. Tajuk atau sub-tajuk menggunakan fon 14. Sila kemukakan dua salinan kertas manuskrip dan satu salinan lembut untuk tujuan pengeditan. Kata kunci Berikan antara tiga hingga lima kata kunci dan letakkan di bahagian bawah abstrak.

Jadual Kesemua jadual perlu diletakkan di akhir manuskrip selepas rujukan dan menggunakan angka Arab. Setiap jadual perlu dinyatakan dan perlu diberi penjelasan dalam teks. Ilustrasi Ilustrasi termasuk gambarajah-gambarajah dan graf-graf perlu dinyatakan di dalam teks. Kesemua foto yang sesuai perlu dicetak hitam dan putih. Ilustri perlu dicetak pada kertas yang berasingan. Ejaan dan pengukurn Bagi merujuk ejaan, Kamus Bahasa Inggeris Oxford dan Kamus Dewan Bahasa yang terkini hendaklah digunan. Unit - unit metrik mesti digunakan untuk ukuran empirikal. Rujukan Rujukan ditulis mengikut gaya penulisan APA.

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PENYUMBANG ARTIKEL

Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia ii

Afida Mastura Muhammad Arif Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Aini Mat Said Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Askiah Jamaluddin Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Elistina Abu Bakar Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Fakhru’l-Razi Ahmadun Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia Farhan Mat Arisah Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Husniyah Abd. Rahim Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Jayashree Arcot Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales,Australia

Lidiana Lidew Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Maisarah Ahmad Fakulti Ekonomi dan Pengurusan,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Mohd Amim Othman Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Mostafa Dehshiri Parizi Fakulti Ekonomi dan Pengurusan,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Mumtazah Othman Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Nashaqilla Norlee Rosslee Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Norhasmah Sulaiman Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Suhaila Abdul Kadir Fakulti Ekonomi dan Pengurusan,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Syakura A Rahim Fakulti Ekonomi dan Pengurusan,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Zuroni Md Jusoh Fakulti Ekonomi dan Pengurusan,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Are Malaysians Nuts About Nuts?: Theory of Planned Behavior PerspectiveMaisarah Ahmad, Suhaila Abdul Kadir and Mostafa Dehshiri Parizi

The Socio-Economic Factors, Current Financial Status, Financial Management Practices and The Future Financial Well-Being among Government EmployeesNoor Diyana Fazan Ahmad, Husniyah Abd. Rahim, Zuroni Md Jusoh, Mohd Amim Othman dan A�da Mastura Muhammad Arif

Amalan Pembelian Produk Halal Dalam Kalangan Pengguna Islam Di Alor Gajah, MelakaNashaqilla Norlee Rosslee dan Elistina Abu Bakar

Amalan Penggunaan Semula Sisa Pepejal Dalam Kalangan Isi Rumah Zuroni Md Jusoh, Farhan Mat Arisah, Mumtazah Othman, Norhasmah Sulaiman dan Husniyah Abd Rahim

Tsunami 2004 Preparedness From The Perspective of The Penang CommunitySyakura A Rahim, Aini Mat Said, Elistina Abu Bakar, Norhasmah Sulaiman and Fakhru’l-Razi Ahmadun

Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Amalan Pengguna Terhadap Makanan Lestari Lidiana Lidew, Zuroni Md. Jusoh, Norhasmah Sulaiman, Husniyah Abd. Rahim, Elistina Abu Bakar dan Askiah Jamaluddin

Perlindungan Pengguna Di Bawah Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961 (Pindaan 2006) A�da Mastura Muhammad Arif

An Overview Of Nutritional Status and Food Consumption Pattern among Malaysian Population Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari and Jayashree Arcot

JurnalPengguna MalaysiaMalaysian Journal of ConsumerJilid 23 Dis 2014 ISSN 1511 - 998x Halaman

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Are Malaysians Nuts About Nuts?: Theory of Planned Behavior Perspective

The Socio-Economic Factors, Current Financial Status, Financial Management Practices and The Future Financial Well-Being among Government Employees

Amalan Pembelian Produk Halal Dalam Kalangan Pengguna Islam Di Alor Gajah, Melaka

Amalan Penggunaan Semula Sisa Pepejal Dalam Kalangan Isi Rumah

Tsunami 2004 Preparedness From The Perspective of The Penang Community

Pengetahuan, Sikap dan Amalan Pengguna Terhadap Makanan Lestari

Perlindungan Pengguna Di Bawah Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961 (Pindaan 2006)

An Overview Of Nutritional Status and Food Consumption Pattern among Malaysian Population

Maisarah AhmadSuhaila Abdul Kadir

Mostafa Dehshiri Parizi

Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad Husniyah Abd. RahimZuroni Md Jusoh, et.al

Nashaqilla Norlee Rosslee Elistina Abu Bakar

Zuroni Md Jusoh Farhan Mat Arisah

Mumtazah Othman, et.al

Syakura A RahimAini Mat Said

Elistina Abu Bakar, et.al

Lidiana LidewZuroni Md. Jusoh

Norhasmah Sulaiman, et.al

A�da Mastura Muhammad Arif

Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari Jayashree Arcot

Jilid 23 Dis 2014

Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia

Jilid 23, Dis 2014

ISSN 1511 - 998x















Tajuk



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PENYUMBANG ARTIKEL





Husniyah Abd. Rahim Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Jayashree Arcot Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, Australia
















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Jilid 23 Dis 2014


Jilid 23, Dis 2014

ISSN 1511 - 998x

1Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia

ARE MALAYSIANS NUTS ABOUT NUTS?: THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

PERSPECTIVE

Maisarah Ahmad Suhaila Abdul Kadir

Mostafa Dehshiri Parizi Faculty of Economics and Management

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Introduction Nuts have been a staple part of mankind’s diet since pre-agricultural period (Eaton, Konner & Shostak, 1988). Except for food value in many cultures, the history of nuts have had symbolism roles (Salas-Salvadó, Casas-Agustench & Salas-Huetos, 2011). Many historical evidence confirm nuts were used as medicine to treat or prevent diseases during past civilizations (Salas-Salvadó et al., 2011). In the modern age, nuts still keep its position as a commodity with a wide range of usage. In western omnivorous diet, they used nuts mostly for snacking or as ingredients to savory and sweet dishes. Nuts also provide a big portion of the necessary source of protein and other nutrients for vegetarians. Nuts are usually eaten in different forms; raw, salted, roasted or buttered. Countries following the Mediterranean diet usually consume nuts two times more than those following the American diet (Sabaté, 1993). Findings by Sabate (1993) indicate vegetarians and health conscious people usually consume more nuts than their counterparts. Nuts are currently part of many dietary guidelines due to its health benefits and food values (Haddad, Sabaté & Whitten, 1999). The US food and drug administration in 2004 issued a health claim for nuts and nut-containing products due to a scientifically proven connection found between nut consumption and decrease in heart diseases (Food & Administration, 2003). In recent years, the food industry has moved towards a more customer-oriented approach and provide answers to signals from consumers, who are now considered as a main part in the food supply chain (Lowe, Phillipson & Lee, 2008). These days, diet composition is affected by many socio-economic factors. Some of the most influential factors are culture, preference, price, social and health concerns, availability, convenience and environmental factors (Gerbens-Leenes, Nonhebel & Ivens, 2002; McGill, 2009). Health and nutritional perception strongly influence the behavior of

2 Jurnal Pengguna Malaysia

people in choosing foods. People do not only choose based on the basic nutritional contents, but they also choose based on images and ideas as well (Casey, 2009). Influence on eating behavior can be categorized into two broad categories: individual and environmental influence. Individual influence means the influence on eating behavior such as belief, attitude, self-efficacy and lifestyle (Neumark-Sztainer, Story, Hannan, Perry & Irving, 2002). Environmental influence refer to the physical environment such as family, peers and availability of such food (Berg, Jonsson, Conner & Lissner, 2002; Betoret, Betoret, Vidal & Fito, 2011). Developing a new market for a product is an expensive process which requires detailed knowledge about the product and consumers of the product (Betoret et al., 2011). Food choices is highly influenced by consumption context, whereby as a result both consumers and marketers pay more and more attention to it (Meiselman, Frewer & Trijp, 2006). A better understanding of a product and its consumer profile may signify the potential to penetrate to snack’s market. Awareness of consumer’s perception and attitude toward food attributes can help front office personnels to fulfill the tangible aspect. One of the key motives for fruit consumption is healthiness (Sobal, Bisogni, Devine & Jastran, 2006). According to Lennernäs et al. (1997), eating healthy is the most important factor for choosing food among European citizens. But other motives and barriers, such as knowledge, price and convenience have a significant role in the choice made to consume fresh fruits (Harker, Gunson & Jaeger, 2003). Lack of convenience, having a limited durability or a short shelf-life, are barriers for fresh fruits consumption (Kaufman, Lane & Lindquist, 1991). It is necessary for food industries to respond to this faster societal pace (Jabs & Devine, 2006). Although extensive research has been conducted on the attitude and belief towards nutritional benefits, barriers in consumption, and knowledge of consumers regarding fresh fruits, little attention has been paid towards nuts. The awareness of the health benefits of nuts is unclear among Malaysian consumers especially young adults. Barriers toward eating nuts which are prevalent among Malaysian young adults are also unknown. This study use a modified construct of the Theory of Planned Behavior as its theoretical framework to examine and understand nut- eating behavior in young adults. The proposed variables are based on the Theory of Planned Behavior, including attitude towards nut-eating behavior, subjective norm for nut eating, perceived behavioral control towards nut eating and behavioral intention to eat nuts which are chosen to predict young adult’s healthy eating behavior. This study focuses on young adults due to their lack of awareness on health benefits of nuts compared to the elderly. Apart from lack of awareness about health related to the intake of nuts, young adults also lack


knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of consuming nuts. Objective The essential objectives of this study is to measure nutritional and health perceptions of Malaysian young adults toward nut intake. Additionally, this study is to determine the predictive ability of attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention in consumption of nuts among young adults. Literature Review Studies on benefits of nut intake Nuts are known as fatty foods, and probably this is why they were recommended with a great deal of caution. American Heart Association (1991) warned that nuts are fatty food. However, a lot of research are being conducted on the effects of nuts on health. Studies have compared between the effects of diets which are nut rich or a low fat diet or a Mediterranean diet among different population groups. One example is a study by Fraser et al. (1992) who looked into the relationship between chronic diseases, like Coronary Heart Diseases (CHD), and food consumption, which included nut intake. It was found that individuals who consume nuts more than five times a week compared to those who take less than once a week, have a decrease of 48% in definite non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and 38% decrease in definite fatal CHD (Fraser et al., 1992). A similar study by Albert et al. (2002) found that there is a 30% decrease in fatal CHD risk among men who take nuts more than twice a week compared to them who take it less than once in a month. Jiang et al. (2002) found that consumption of nuts and peanut butter was inversely associated with the risk of type 2 diabetes. This was a study conducted to see the relationship between nut intake and the developing of type 2 diabetes. There was a decrease of 27% risk when nuts were consumed more than five times a week and a decrease by 21% when peanut butter was consumed more than five times a week, in comparison to those who never or almost never consume nuts. Similarly, the study by Fraser et al. (1992) and Kushi et al. (1996) indicates nut consumption can lead to a decrease in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. There was another study conducted by Djoussé, Rudich & Gaziano (2009) to assess the impact of nut intake on hypertension risk, and it was found that less risk can be achieved for those who consume nuts frequently. Since discovering the potential health benefits of nuts in 2002, the International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research and Education Foundation (INC NREF) has placed a request to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to qualify


tree nuts and peanuts for a health claim that could be used on food labels. FDA has placed a health claim which reads: Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease (FDA, 2009; The International Tree Nut Council Nutrition Research & Education Foundation, 2003). Effect of nut intake on cardiovascular disease risk factors Reports have shown that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US (Albert et al., 2002). However, there are studies which shows a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) through intake of nuts, whereby frequent consumption has resulted in low risk factors for CVD such as cholesterol level, blood lipid level, inflammation and reduction in blood cholesterol concentrations (Fraser et al., 1992; Alexiadou & Katsilambros, 2011). Malaysia is a country in which cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major disease, with the increase from 7.5% in 1965 to 27.8% in 1997, with doubled mortality rates between 1970 and 1996, from 24.1 to 54.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is a worrying rate, with data showing that admissions into government hospitals have increased from 278 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1985 to 493 per 100,000 in 1996 (Noor, 2002). As a consequence, the Ministry of Health in Malaysia has given emphasis on awareness campaigns to promote a healthy living lifestyle, whereby in May 1991, its first thematic campaign of Healthy Lifestyle Campaign was launched (ES Tee, 1999). Despite having health benefits, nuts are known as energy dense food which can cause weight gain and obesity (Mendoza, Drewnowski, Cheadle & Christakis, 2006). As a result, the consumption of nuts might be affected because of its weight gaining characteristic and other possible effects that can negate the beneficial effects of nuts. These effects have created a public assumption of nuts as fattening and thus they neglect the advice to consume nuts regularly as a way of reducing CVD risk (Webb & Dear, 1996). There are studies showing that regular nut consumers tend to have leaner bodies than those who don‘t consume nuts (Tey, Brown, Gray, Chisholm & Delahunty, 2011). Besides, some studies which have focused on the relation with nut consumption and weight gain or loss, have found that those who practice nut-enriched diet experienced greater weight loss and greater improvement in CVD risk factors compared with a low-fat diet, a complex carbohydrate diet or an isocaloric diet without nuts (Li et al., 2010). Besides, Casas-Agustench et al. (2011) stated that there are some clinical studies which failed to show an increase in body weight with regular consumption of different nuts. In fact, according to Tey (2011), people who consume nuts either daily or more than twice a week has either no possibility or less possibility of weight gain. Obesity among youth is another health problem that is increasing rapidly all across the globe


(Doll, Paccaud, Bovet, Burnier & Wietlisbach, 2002; Tappy & Lê, 2010). Tappy & Le (2010) has concluded that it is caused by a continuing imbalance between energy intake and disbursement. Obesity related to adults is a result of childhood and adolescence obesity (Goran, 2001). The benefits of nut intake such as pistachios has shown an adverse effect to weight gain as well as improving one‘s diet quality (Tey et al., 2011). The link between cholesterol level and impact of nut intake can be summarized through research by Chisholm et al. (2005), Griel et al. (2008) and Gebauer et al. (2008). Their studies found that intake of nuts can lead to decrease in cholesterol level due to the unsaturated fatty acid found in nuts, such as on pistachios. There is an inverse relationship between intake of pistachios and risks of CVD. Another field of research such as by Rogers et al. (2011) stated that hypertension is a major cause which leads to CVD, whereby it affects almost 1 billion individuals worldwide and causes the death of 7.6 million people (Martinez-Lapiscina et al., 2010). However, the link between nut intake and hypertension is found to be of a reverse relationship by Djousse et al. (2009). Besides, Jiang et al. (2006) too have found that nuts have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce vascular inflammation. Snack trend Snacking is defined as the consumption of any food item that is not a meal (Block, Gillespie, Rosenbaum & Jenson, 2000). Synonymous with snack food are savory snacks, potato chips, snack nuts and popcorn. Some researchers divided snacks into two wide groups; healthy and unhealthy snacks. The consumption of snack food is popular in countries such as the United States (80%), followed by Germany (74%), United Kingdom (69%) and Japan (66%) (Euromonitor, 2010). A study by Hassan and Al-Abbad (2011) on the trend of snack eating in Saudi Arabia, discovered that snack eating is a habit which occurs between 1 to 4 times a day. 69.8% of the subjects were children and adolescence, where most (44.3%) had only one to two main meals a day, indicating that snack eating is a developing trend in most communities. In 2012, Malaysia’s snack industries had hit the sales figure of RM200 million (US$66 million), in a report released by FAMA, with chips sharing a staggering RM102.1 million (34 million USD) of the market. Barriers in consumption There are studies that support the relationship between barriers and behavior (Dittus, Hillers & Beerman, 1995). Ziebland et al. (1998) stated factors


influencing an individual’s diet includes availability, cost and time, which can be seen as external factors. Cost can be seen as a factor which cause barriers to people of lower income toward healthy eating, whereby high costs of fruits and vegetables can be a hindrance (Reicks, Randall & Haynes, 1994). Besides, other factors which determine an individual’s fruit and vegetable consumption include individual’s self-efficacy, the influence of others, and the availability (Brug et al., 1995). Reicks et al. (1994) stated that it is important to like the taste of fruits and vegetables (internal factors). Consumers need to accept the ingredients or content in food, which is linked to their knowledge and its effects (Jesionkowska, Sijtsema, Konopacka & Symoneaux, 2009). Reasons identified as barriers of healthy eating, found in a study by Lopez-Azpiazu et al. (1999) among 1009 Spanish adults, over the age of 15 were irregular work hours, willpower, and unappealing food, especially among the younger age group. Besides, other factors include high cost and high spoilage rate of fruits and vegetables (Yeh et al., 2008). For the purpose of this research, we choose some of the most common barriers in consumption of fruits to be elaborated in the case of nuts in Malaysia. Conceptual Framework and Hypotheses Development The conceptual framework of the study is designed based on the previous literature review. Indeed, the modified Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991) was selected as the conceptual framework of this study. The constructs of the TPB (ATT, SN, PBC, and INT) are said to account for all factors that could possibly influence the participation in any behavior (Ajzen, 1991). This research applied TPB to evaluate Malaysian young adult’s behavioral intention toward nuts and dried fruits consumption. Consistent with this literature, the current study propose the following hypothesis:

Figure 1: Theoretical Framework

Subjective Norms

Perceived Behavioral

Control (Barriers)

Consumption Intention among Malaysian Adults

Attitude


Methodology This survey was conducted at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The questionnaires were distributed to a total of 160 Malaysian respondents who have consumed nuts and dried fruits at least once in their lifetime. Respondents were chosen conveniently among UKM students. Finally, 147 respondents between 18 to 35 years old in UKM were selected. Instrument The questionnaire consists of 43 questions. It includes, the questions on attitude towards nut eating behavior, subjective norms for nut eating behavior, and perceived behavioral control to eat nuts. Seventeen items under the construct of attitude were measured with a scale from Pawlak et al. (2009). The items for the independent variables (i.e. attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention) were also developed from the study of Pawlak et al. (2009). All items were modified to suit for this research. All questions used a five-point Likert scale (1 indicating “strongly agree” to 5 indicating “strongly disagree”). Test of reliability, validity and identification of factors A reliability test was performed with regard to all variables using SPSS statistics software version 21. A pilot test was conducted before the actual survey to ensure consistency between all dimensions of variables. The pilot test was conducted among 37 respondents and in two different steps between independent variables and dependent variables. Reliability test was also done to test the consistency of respondent’s answers. Firstly, reliability test was run to measure consistency of attitude. The result from reliability test conducted for attitude is 0.763 which means it is reliable. The second variable is subjective norms. Reliability test was also performed for this variable. The value of Cronbach’s Alpha for the variable of subjective norms is 0.773, which asserts that the test for this variable is also reliable because it is more than 0.7. The third variable is perceived behavioral control (Barriers). Likewise, reliability test was run to test this variable, and accordingly the value of Cronbach’s Alpha for perceived behavioral control is 0.753 which means that it is reliable since the Cronbach’s Alpha is more than 0.7. The last variable tested is behavioral intention. The value of Cronbach’s Alpha is 0.887 which means that it is reliable since the Cronbach’s Alpha is much higher than 0.7. Lastly, the results show that behavioral intention with Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.887 is the most reliable variable in this research and perceived behavioral control with Cronbach’s


Alpha of 0.753 is the least reliable variable; however, all the variables have high Cronbach’s Alpha values and as a result, all of them are highly reliable. Results Profile of respondents Descriptive statistics were derived from the demographic part of the questionnaire which includes 11 questions. Respondents’ profile such as gender, age, educational level, income, and ethnic was declared by the frequency analysis (Table 1). Females consisted of the majority of population with 94 respondents (63.9%) outnumbering the 53 male participants (36.1%). The population target of research was between the age group of 18 to 35. To make it more specific, the researcher divided this age group into two sub groups which include 18 to 24 consists of mostly bachelor students and 25 to 35 consists of mostly master or Ph.D students. Ninety three participants (63.3%) are between 18 to 24 years old and fifty four (36.7%) are between 25 to 35. The third question elicits ethnicity of the participants. Malays comprise of the biggest portion of population with 113 respondents (around 80%) and Chinese and Indians with 28 and 8 respondents, respectively. Three participants mention their race as Iban and Bidayuh. Analysis of income of respondents indicates that most of them (43.5%) have income less than RM2000 per month or do not have an income at all. The answers for this category were divided into four categories. The first category was for respondents whose annual income less than RM 2000 (43.5%). The second category was for respondents whose monthly salary or income more than RM 2000 and less than RM 5000 (32.7%). The third category was for respondents whose monthly income between RM 5000 and RM 10,000 (14.3%). The fourth category was intended for respondents with salary higher than RM 10,000 (9.5%). Education level was another demographic question posed in the questionnaire. It was divided into 5 different levels. Interestingly, 42 participants (28.6%) were master or Ph.D students which is quite highly rated while only 2 of them (1.4%) had less than high school education. Most of the participants graduated from college (32.7%) and the rest have some college degree (19.7%) or graduated from high school (17.7%).


Table 1: Profile of Respondents

Characteristics Frequency %

Gender Male 53 36.1 Female 94 63.9

Age 18-24 years old 93 63.3 25-35 years old 54 36.7

Ethnic Malay 113 76.9 Chinese 28 19.0 Indian 6 4.1

Education Level

Less than high school 2 1.4 Graduated from high school 26 17.7 Some college 29 19.7 Graduated from college 48 32.7 Master or Ph.D 42 28.6

Annual Income

Less than RM2000 64 43.5 RM2,000-RM5,000 48 32.7 RM5,000-RM10,000 21 14.3 RM10,000 or more 14 9.5

More than half of the participants (60.0%) believed they consumed a healthy diet and the rest of the participants believe they do not practice a healthy diet. However, only 23.8 percent indicate they ate nuts 1-2 times a week, as shown in Table 2. This is lower than the findings by London (2011) who found 35.3% of American consume nuts 1-2 times a week. Around 1.4 percent of participants do not eat nuts and dried fruits at all, while most participants (45.6%) eat nuts 1-2 times a month.

Table 2: Frequency in Usage

No. How often eat nut Frequency % 1. Never 2 1.4 2. Less than once a month 30 20.4 3. 1-2 times an month 67 45.6 4. Once a week 12 8.2 5. 1-2 times a week 35 23.8

Total 147 100.0 Findings in Table 3 shows that participants are more likely to consume roasted nuts (34.7%) or salted nuts (20.4%). Around 15.0 percent prefer nuts in the form of nut butter. Most individuals prefer peanuts, almonds, dates and raisins.


Table 3: Most Like to Eat

No. Most Like to Eat in Frequency % 1. Raw 10 6.8 2. Salted 30 20.4 3. Roasted 51 34.7 4. As Nut Butter 22 15.0 5. None 4 2.7

Total 117 79.6 Descriptive statistics of the study variables The following is a description of the major variables in this study: attitude toward health benefits of nuts, subjective norm for eating nuts, perceived behavioural control and behavioural intention toward eating nuts. Mean, frequency and standard deviation are presented in the following sections to illustrate the descriptive statistics of the study variables. Descriptive statistics of positive attitude toward eating nuts Participants answer to all questions regarding attitude toward health benefits of nuts. The lowest mean belong to ‘nuts are high in nutrients’ and ‘nuts are high in protein’ with 2.60 and 2.63 respectively, which means these two beliefs are more accepted by young adults. Conversely, ‘eating nuts help to look young’ received the highest mean which means it received the highest level of disagree compared to other dimensions. ‘Nuts are high in calories’ also surprisingly received a mean of 3.28 which means more than half of the participants disagree with this. About half of the participants strongly agree or agree about these three characteristic of nuts; nuts are nutrient, nuts are high in protein and nuts are healthy. Around 38.8% of participants believe nuts are high in dietary fiber. Approximately 43.0 percent of participants didn‘t know about the Omega 3 characteristic of nuts. Slightly more than one-third of the respondents were unaware that frequent nut intake decreases the risk for heart attacks (32.6%) and about 32.0 percent disagreed that nuts could perform these effects. About 36.7 percent were unaware of the hypocholesterolemic effects of nuts and an additional 36.7% disagreed that nuts exhibit such effects. Around 40.0 percent of participants didn‘t know about the prevention characteristic of nuts for diabetes and around 30.0 percent disagree that nuts could perform these effects. In converse with fresh fruits and vegetables, just 18.3 percent of participants eat nuts to look young and 43.6 percent of participants disagree that eating nuts causes consumers to look young. ‘Eating nuts help to look young’ received the lowest degree of acceptance (18.0%), which is the opposite with the consumption of fresh


fruits and vegetables which consumers view as a way to keep young. Just around 33.3 percent of participants believe by eating nuts, means they take better care of their bodies. At least one third of participants (30.0%) neither agree nor disagree with all 12 positive sentences toward nuts and dried fruits which can be interpreted as lack of knowledge about nuts health benefits. Descriptive statistics of negative attitude towards eating nuts The rate of negative attitude toward nuts is quite high. Nearly 52.3 percent of the participants thought nuts were high in fat; while only 22.5 percent disagree with this. While approximately 41.5 percent of participants believe nuts are salty, around 34.0 percent neither agree nor disagree with this. Around 42.2 percent of participants believe nuts will cause an increase in cholesterol and just 23.8 percent disagree with this. Although scientific findings do not indicate that eating nuts will cause weight gain (Bes-Rastrollo et al., 2007; Sabate, 2003). Just 18.4 percent of participants do not believe nuts don‘t cause weight gain and around one half of participants believe nuts will cause weight gain. Moreover, almost half of the participants (49.0%) believe nuts cause allergies and just 23.1 percent disagree with this. Between 40 to 50 percent of participants either strongly agree or agree with all five negative attitudinal statements.


Tab

le 4

: Fre

quen

cy o

f Pos

itive

Att

itude

tow

ards

Eat

ing

Nut

s

Nuts are healthy

Nuts are high in nutrients

Nuts are high in protein

Nuts are filling

Nuts are high in calories

Nuts are high in dietary fiber

Nuts are good source of omega -3 fat

Eating nuts help to lower cholesterol level

Eating nuts help to lower risk for heart

attack

Eating nuts help to lower risk for diabetes

Eating nuts help to look young

Eating nuts help to take better care of my

body

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Stro

ngly

A

gree

20

13

.6

20

13.6

22

15

.0

10

6.8

5 3.

4 16

10

.9

13

8.8

15

10.2

19

12

.9

14

9.5

4 2.

7 10

6.

8

Agr

ee

50

34-0

56

38

.1

50

34

33

22.4

21

14

.3

41

27.9

38

25

.9

24

16.3

29

19

.7

32

21.8

23

15

.6

39

26.5

Nei

ther

46

31

.3

42

28.6

40

27

.2

54

36.7

59

40

.1

56

38.1

63

42

.9

54

36.7

52

35

.4

57

38.8

56

38

.1

46

31.3

Dis

agre

e 18

12

.2

21

14.3

30

20

.4

42

28.6

52

35

.4

30

20.4

28

19

.0

45

30.6

35

23

.8

38

25.9

48

32

.7

45

30.6

Stro

ngly

D

isag

ree

13

8.8

8 5.

4 5

3.4

8 5.

4 10

6.

8 4

2.7

5 3.

4 9

6.1

12

8.2

6 4.

1 16

10

.9

7 4.

8

Tot

al

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100


Table 5: Frequency of Negative Attitude toward Eating Nuts

High in F

at

High in Salt

Cholesterol Increase

Cause W

eight G

ain

Nuts C

ause A

llergies

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Strongly Agree 18 12.2 10 6.8 10 6.8 14 9.5 26 17.7

Agree 59 40.1 5 34.7 52 35.4 56 38.1 46 31.3

Neither 37 25.2 50 34 50 34.0 50 34.0 41 27.9

Disagree 26 17.7 22 15 25 17.0 20 13.6 19 12.9

Strongly Disagree 7 4.8 14 9.5 10 6.8 7 4.8 15 10.2

Total 147 100 147 100 147 100 147 100 147 100

Descriptive analysis of subjective norms toward eating nuts The influence from ‘confirmation by authorities’ and ‘doctor’s recommendation’ has the highest rate with a mean of 2.53 and 2.55 respectively to encourage eating nuts. This finding is consistent with previous research. Parents and classmates have the lowest influence with a mean of 2.94. High level of acceptance from doctors and authorities by participants who are mostly students can be linked to their mentality and science orientation. According to the frequency result from subjective norms, confirmation from authorities has the biggest influence on participants with a percentage of 55.7 percent. After ‘confirmation from authorities’, recommendation by doctors achieve 53.1 percent and suggestion by parents and classmates achieve approximately 38.1 percent, suggesting quite a big influence. This is consistent with previous findings which confirm doctors as one of the strong subjective norms for changing eating behavior (London, 2012). In a research about consumption of beverage in the US, participants also continuously emphasize the importance of their doctor’s advice on their beverage choices, emphasizing the effect of subjective norms on their beverage consumption


(Krzeski, 2011). Table 6: Frequency of Subjective Norms toward Eating Nuts

Doctor

recomm

ended

Parents &

classmates

Authorities confirm

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Strongly Agree 35 23.8 12 8.2 23 15.6

Agree 43 29.3 44 29.9 59 40.1

Neither 34 23.1 46 31.3 36 24.5

Disagree 23 15.6 31 21.1 22 15.0

Strongly Disagree 12 8.2 14 9.5 7 4.8

Total 147 100 147 100 147 100

Descriptive analysis of perceived behavioral control toward eating nuts At least one third of participants neither agree nor disagree with the 7 barrier statements. The majority (42.9%) of participants strongly disagree or disagree with the barrier statement, ‘I would eat nuts on most days of a week if they were in better packaging’ and ‘Eating nuts on most days of a week would cost me too much money’. Approximately, 46.0 percent of participants indicate they strongly agree or agree with the statement, ‘I would eat nuts on most days of a week if they were lower in fat’ and 41.5 percent strongly agree or agree with ‘eating nuts if they are affordable’. Lack of diversity (flavor and taste) were another serious barrier in consumption of nuts (36.1%). It seems packaging and cost are not strong barriers as compared to being lower in fat and being affordable.


Tab

le 7

: Fre

quen

cy o

f Per

ceiv

ed B

ehav

iora

l Con

trol

tow

ard

Eat

ing

Nut

s

Cost Too Much Money

Available in Grocery Store

Affordable

More Flavor

Fat is lower

In Better Packaging

Eat Too Much Fat

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Frequency

Percent

Stro

ngly

A

gree

17

11

.6

10

6.8

22

15.0

11

7.

5 19

12

.9

13

8.8

9 6.

1

Agr

ee

30

20.4

34

23

.1

39

26.5

42

28

.6

48

32.7

26

17

.7

24

16.3

Nei

ther

43

29

.3

56

38.1

55

37

.4

43

29.3

52

35

.4

45

30.6

59

40

.1

Dis

agre

e 43

29

.3

38

25.9

26

17

.7

45

30.6

27

18

.4

43

29.3

42

28

.6

Stro

ngly

D

isag

ree

14

9.5

9 6.

1 5

3.4

6 4.

1 1

.7

20

13.6

13

8.

8

Tot

al

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100

147

100


Affordability, lack of variety and cost were found to be the most important barriers for eating nuts. It seems respondents are more worried about the health aspect of nuts and dried fruits rather than its packaging and cost. Again, the high number of neither agree nor disagree can be interpreted as lack of knowledge and experience regarding these products. Affordability is also a barrier for eating other healthy items such as fruits and vegetables (Pawlak et al., 2009). Almost 60% of respondents either strongly agree or agree that they would eat nuts if they were affordable. These are the same barriers in consumption of fruits and vegetables in line with earlier studies (Betts et al., 1995; Brug, Debie, van Assema & Weijts, 1995). Discussions and Recommendations Nut consumption among participants is found to be low, around 46.0 percent of participants’ intake of nuts is just once or two times per month. Only about 23.8 percent of the participants indicate they consume nuts 1-2 times a week. The majority of the participants’ intake was less frequent. The recommended level of nut intake is 1.5 ounces on most days in a week, however, majority of participants took less. However, 60.0 percent of the participants believed they have a healthy diet. Nuts are perceived as food with high fat and calorie content, which can be one of the reason for the low intake of nuts. However not many are aware of the beneficial impact of nuts on CVD and diabetes prevention. Educating the public on the benefits of nuts and the fiber content found in nuts, is essential. Results of this study indicate that participants are not aware of the benefits of nuts. The study by Pawlak et al. (2009) also found a large number of participants of WIC were not aware of the scientific findings regarding health benefits of frequent nut consumption. Therefore, education and advice from doctors and healthcare professionals to the public are needed to increase public awareness on the benefits of nut consumption on CVD and diabetes. Participants seem to strongly agree or agree that if they receive confirmation from the authorities or doctors, they would have consumed nuts on most days. Almost 50.0 percent of the participants indicate that they would follow doctors’ advice on nut consumption, therefore giving an indication that doctor’s dietary advice is effective in improving the consumption of nuts. The findings suggest that physicians can influence student’s behavior to consume nuts and have a positive impact from the use of these products. It has also been found that affordability is the largest barrier in nuts and dried fruits consumption. 41.5 percent indicated affordability as the barrier and 52.3 percent indicated that fat found in nuts (nutrient content) as the barrier for nut consumption.


This study conclude that attitude of young adults toward nut consumption is negative. This is because more young adults believe that nut consumption can increase cholesterol and body weight. Therefore, young adults should get accurate information relating to nut consumption. Without the right information, wise decisions related to consumption of nuts cannot be made. Further results also showed that experts or people who have authority can profoundly influence young adults in their nut consumption. Thus, young adults should consult a doctor or people who have authority, other than their parents prior to nut consumption. The study found that packaging and cost were not the major barriers as compared to lack of variety and cost. Young adults see more barriers in nut consumption in terms of health. There will no longer be any barriers to young adults if they have sufficient knowledge pertaining to the benefits of nut consumption. In TPB theory, attitude, subjective norms and barriers are alleged to influence the consumption intention among young adults. The current study found that the attitude of young adults toward nut consumption was negative because they thought that nut consumption may increase their cholesterol and body weight. The results of the study for subjective norms indicate that subjective norms do influence nut consumption for young adults as well as the barriers which also affect the consumption of nuts, especially barriers for eating. This is because young adults are more worried about the health aspect of nuts and dried fruits rather than the packaging and cost. This research also found that most respondents do not have adequate knowledge on the benefits of nuts especially on the aspects related to heart attack, diabetes and cholesterol. Despite having past research showing that nuts are in fact a healthy food, Malaysian young adults seem to be unaware of the health benefits of nuts. One possible explanation for the significant effect of attitude on intention to eat nuts in this study is that the young adults in this study put value on the positive outcome of eating nuts. They believe that eating nuts provide them with many health benefits and they perceive nuts and dried fruits as healthy food which are high in protein and high in nutrients. Armitage and Conner (2001) explained the issue of measurement of subjective norm for intention to healthy eating behavior. They believed the weak performance of subjective norm in predicting intention was because of the usage of single-item measure. However in this study, subjective norm for eating nuts was assessed via 3 items: doctors, authorities and classmates and parents. Perhaps incorrect combination items were chosen to measure the subjective norms. Another explanation for this may be the psychological characteristic of this age group who want to be independent and usually follow their own preferences.


Limitations and future directions This research is solely based on university students, therefore the findings cannot be generalized to other young adults of similar age who are employed. They may have different determinants or factors influencing their consumption of nuts. Therefore, future research should be conducted among the young adults and university students of different lifestyle to enable us to understand their consumption of nuts. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that the diet among young adults in Malaysia needs improvement, especially in terms if their snack choices. Snack foods which are palatable, inexpensive and low in calories as well as fat, highly densed in nutrients should be made available for the consumption of young adults. Nuts have the potential to be used as a healthy snack for all age groups especially for young adults. Parents, teachers and health professionals play important roles in creating a positive attitude toward eating nuts as healthy snacks, since many studies have found attitude to be the strongest predictor of intention. Public knowledge, especially among young adults regarding the benefits of nuts especially on diabetes and CVD should be increased and efforts should be made to educate public about the positive benefits of nut intake. One effective strategy is to encourage positive attitude by providing new and various nutritional information about nuts. Individual awareness of the health benefits of nut consumption can be enhanced through a combination of strategies to create awareness as well as tackling perceived barriers. Thus, it is hoped that these strategies can have a positive impact to young adults on the consumption of nuts as a healthy snack. Reference Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50(2), 179-211. Albert, C.M., Gaziano, J.M., Willett, W.C., & Manson, J.E. (2002). Nut consumption and decreased risk of sudden cardiac death in the Physicians' Health Study. Archives of Internal Medicine, 162(12), 1382-1387. Alexiadou, K. & Katsilambros, N. (2011). Nuts: Anti-atherogenic food? European Journal of Internal Medicine, 22(2), 141-146. Armitage, C.J. & Conner, M. (2001). Efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta analytic review. British Journal of Social Psychology,


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THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS, CURRENT FINANCIAL STATUS, FINANCIAL

MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THE FUTURE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING AMONG

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad1 Husniyah Abd. Rahim2

Zuroni Md Jusoh2 Mohd Amim Othman2

Afida Mastura Muhammad Arif2 1 Department of Resource Management and Consumer Studies,

Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM 2 Center of Excellence for Sustainable Consumption,

Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM

Introduction Every individual wants to be financially adequate to support their needs and wants. Having a stable income is usually the indicator as to how well off a person is. If an unforeseen event is to happen which will result in loss of income, an individual will have to depend on other resources to ensure the support of their needs which will last either a few months or can last for several years, depending on how financially fit they are. However, income is not the only important factor to ensure a better financial state. Overall subjective well-being is important as it refers to how people evaluate their lives and includes variables such as life and marital satisfaction, lack of depression and anxiety and positive moods and emotions (Diener, Suh, & Oishis, 1998). There are many dimensions of well-being such as job, finance, house, health, leisure and environmental satisfaction according to Flecther and Lorenz (1985). Recent statistics in 2010 by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) show that at least half of the household income were used for household expenditures since 1995 to 2009. Therefore, the ratio between income and expenses hasn’t changed. Consistent with Porter and Garman’s (1993) findings who found that even though income has increased, 30.8 percent of their respondents never seem to get ahead. This shows that even if income increases, expenditure do not decrease. Furthermore, a higher income does not necessarily ensure a better financial well-being.


Bankruptcy can also cause problems to an individual as they have high amount of debts. In Malaysia, anyone with an accumulated debt of minimum RM30,000 will be declared bankrupt. Even though there is an act to protect the consumers, it is important to determine what causes bankruptcy and how it can be avoided. Malaysian Department of Insolvency (2012) reported that the main causes of bankruptcy in 2012 are due to car hire purchase loans (25%), followed by other indebtedness (21%), personal loans (13%) and housing loans (13%). The burden of debt repayment will eventually lead to low level of future financial well-being. Thus, it is imperative for government employees to manage their finances well especially in debt repayment to avoid bankruptcy. Apart from bankruptcy, insurance is one form of risk management. Life insurance is one of the many types of insurances available in the market which is practical during retirement and is known as endowment life insurance. Current statistics by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) show an increase in new policies issued with a total of 209,933,000 and 225,105,000 in the year 2009 and 2011 respectively. This is a good sign that Malaysians are now purchasing this policy. There is an increase of policies issued every year which indicates consumers are now more aware of insurance and see its importance for the future especially when an endowment policy is purchased. This endowment for retirement is essential for retirees especially government employees as they will have other sources of income besides their pension which will lead to a better future financial well-being. Besides risk management, the preparation for retirement is important as it helps provide a better financial well-being for an individual. Malaysia’s government employees have a choice of either opting for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or a pension scheme during their retirement period. If they opt for EPF, their savings can only last for 6 to 7 years on average, provided they spend RM2,000 a month. The data are based on EPF statistics in 2011. This is worrying as the money saved is not enough especially with the rising cost of living. Thus, they will need to look for other sources of income after they have exhausted their EPF savings, and they will need to spend it wisely. On the other hand, government employees who opted for the pension scheme will be less vulnerable to loss of income as they will be provided with a stable income every month. The main objective of this study is to determine the factors that relates to future financial well-being of government employees. The specific objectives of this study are to: 1) investigate the current financial status of the respondents, 2) explore the financial management practices, and 3) examine the items of future financial well-being.


Literature Review Several variables are used in this study and they include socio-economic factors, current financial well-being, financial management practices and future financial well-being. Firstly, the socio-economic factors in this study are income, age, gender and education level. Income is commonly related to the financial status of an individual and there have been many past studies shown to have a positive relationship between income and financial well-being (Beh & Folk, 2012; Joo & Grable, 2004; Penn, 2007; Porter & Garman, 1993). As for age, most studies found that older individuals are more likely to have a better financial well-being compared to their younger counterpart. Past studies by Malone et al. (2009) and Folk et al. (2012) found that financial well-being increases with age. Gender is also closely related to financial well-being as there have been several studies reported to have found a difference in financial well-being between male and female respondents (Gudmunson & Danes, 2011; Gutter & Copur, 2011; Leach et al., 1999; Shim, Xiao, Barber & Lyons, 2009). Education level has also been known to have a relationship with financial well-being. Many past studies have shown that those holding a degree or higher in their education tend to have a better financial well-being (Folk et al., 2012; Headey & Wooden, 2004; Malone et al., 2009). Net worth was also found to have a significant impact on financial satisfaction according to Mugenda, Hira and Fanslow (1990). Furthermore, financial adequacy was used as a measurement of financial satisfaction based on past research (Chuan, Kok & Chen, 2012; Draughn et al., 1994a; Fernatt & Anderson, 2012; Grable, Cupples, Sumarwan & Hira, 1993). Therefore, since there have been many past research showing a relationship between the above socio-economic factors, it is important for this study to investigate the factors that may have a relationship with future financial well-being of government employees. Financial well-being is a broad concept which is measured using more than one measure. It is a comprehensive, multidimensional concept which incorporates financial satisfaction, objective status of financial situation, financial attitude, and behaviour (Joo, 1998). Thus, financial well-being can be measured using subjective perception, financial satisfaction and financial behaviour. The subjective perception of financial well-being is divided into two which are financial attitude, i.e., their perception of either their current or perceived future financial well-being.


Financial well-being was also measured by financial management practices in most of the past studies where they use dimensions such as budgeting, saving, credit usage behaviour and compulsive behaviour (Gutter & Copur, 2011). There have also been studies that use savings, credit, record keeping, debt repayment and insurance purchases to determine the financial well-being of an individual (Beutler & Mason, 1987; Hira & Mueller, 1987, Jeries & Allen, 1986; Peck & Stewart, 1985; Titus et al., 1989). However, for this study, current financial well-being is measured using subjective perception and future financial well-being is measured using financial satisfaction with financial emergencies, satisfaction with savings level, debt level, current financial situation, ability to meet long-term goals, as well as preparedness to meet financial emergencies and financial management skills (Chan et. al, 2010; Fazli et al., 2012; Hogarth & Anguelov, 2004; Joo & Garman, 2004; Joo & Grable, 2004; Kim, Garman, & Sorhaindo, 2003; Leila & Laily, 2010). Methodology This study was conducted among government employees in five states in Peninsular Malaysia which are Pahang, Kelantan, Johor, Melaka and Negeri Sembilan using multi-stage random sampling method. States in East Malaysia were excluded due to constraints of transportation. Each of the states were chosen according to urban and rural areas. The list of urban and rural areas are as follows; Pahang consists of Kuantan (28) and Bera (28), Kelantan consists of Kota Bharu (37) and Gua Musang (51), Johor consists of Johor Bahru (67) and Segamat (105), Melaka consists of Ayer Keroh (25) and Alor Gajah (48) and finally Negeri Sembilan consists of Seremban (45) and Jelebu (29). The list of urban and rural areas was acquired from the Populations Distribution by Local Authority Areas and Mukims (2010). Those listed under the administration of Municipal and City Council was classified as urban areas and those under the administration of the District Council are classified as rural areas. Two government departments were drawn randomly for each state based on a list of departments. A total of 472 usable self-structured questionnaires were distributed and collected in 2012. There are several variables used in this study namely socio-economic factors, financial management practices, and financial well-being. Socio-economic factors consist of age, gender, education level, and personal income. Financial management practices consist of several dimensions and they include cash-flow, savings, credit management, investment and risk management dimensions which were based on items previously used by Husniyah and M. Fazilah (2009). As for current financial status, the items were measured using perceived net worth and perceived financial adequacy


based on a past study by Husniyah (2002). Whereas, the measurement for future financial well-being was adapted from Hira and Mugenda (1999) consisting of 6 items using Likert scales with a Cronbach alpha value of 0.881. Factor analysis was conducted as it is considered a form of construct validity and the items were all found to be in one category. A pilot test was also done to test the validity of the instrument as it is a form of face validity (Harvey, 2014). Results and Discussion Background of respondents The details on the background of respondents are listed in Table 1. Majority of the respondents are Malays and two thirds of them are male employees (66.0%). The respondents are aged between 26-30 years old (20.9%) and 31-35 years old whereas the mean age of respondents is 38 years old. As for the marital status of the employees, majority of the respondents are married (80.0%). In addition, majority of the respondents are non-graduates (96.0%). The income of the respondents is mostly between RM 751 and RM 1,500 (33.7%). The precentage of savings is mostly between 0 percent to 20 percent (60.3%).

Table 1: Background of respondents

Item Percentage Gender Male 66.0 Female 33.8 Age (years) 21-25 9.2 26-30 20.9 31-35 15.5 36 and above 9.4 Ethnic Malay 96.4 Chinese 0.6 Indian 2.8 Others 0.2 Marital Status Single 20.0 Married 80.0 Education Level Non-Graduate 96.0 Graduate 4.0


Table 1 (continued)

Item Percentage Individual Income ≤ RM 750 6.1 RM 751 – RM1,500 33.7 RM1,501 – RM2,500 33.5 RM2,501 – RM 3,500 18.8 ≥RM3,501 7.8 Percentage of Savings/Income 0% 8.9 0% - 20% 60.3 20% - 40% 25.8 > 40% 4.8

Current financial status The current financial status of the government employees were measured using net worth and financial adequacy. Net worth Net worth was measured by comparing the asset and debt value using a single item measurement listed in Table 2. The respondents answered equally between the three items except for value of asset equal to debt (35.2%) which is slightly higher than the other two items. This may be due to the fact that individuals are not able to identify how to determine the value of their assets. Thus, it can be summarized that most of the respondents have an equal amount of wealth to debt.

Table 2: Net Worth

Item Percentage (%) Value of asset is less than debt 32.5 Value of asset is equal to debt 35.2 Value of asset is more than debt 32.3

Financial adequacy

Financial adequacy in this study was measured using the items listed in Table 3. Slightly more than half of the respondents have only enough for basic needs (59.5%) whereas only a small percentage are inadequate financially (9.8%). There is a small number of respondents who claimed to have enough to cover even their wants (8.3%). The important result shows that


respondents only have enough for their basic needs and they are not able to purchase extra items or durables that can meet their wants.

Table 3: Financial Adequacy

Item Percentage (%)

Inadequate 9.8 Adequate enough for basic needs 59.5 Enough for most things 22.4 Enough to buy wants and able to save 8.3

Financial management practices Financial management practices in this study were categorized into 5 dimensions which were cash-flow, credit, savings, investment and risk management based on factor analysis. The items for each of the dimensions are shown in Table 4 in their respective section and was measured using a scale of 1 to 5 ranging from never to very frequently. This study found that most of the respondents had an average score in terms of their practices in cash-flow, credit and savings. The highest practice for cash-flow dimension was paying bills within a specified duration and planning for long term goals, whereas the least frequent practice done by respondents was having a complete system for record keeping. The wide availability of facilities such as the Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) and online banking simplifies payment of bills and also in determining the total amount of income. The results suggest respondents basically have good cash-flow practices but infrequently keep track of their finances. As for the credit dimension, the results suggest that the respondents have good credit management because they plan carefully before committing to any loans or credit and thus, are able to pay their loans according to schedule. Similar to cash-flow practices, loans and credit can be managed via online banking by using the automatic monthly deduction from account specific to loan payment. Cash Deposit Machines (CDM) in banks also makes it easier to make payments as it saves time. The respondents were found to frequently make savings for emergency needs and for long-term goals. Emergency savings will be used during unexpected events such as during a car breakdown or for medical needs which requires cash at hand. As for investment and risk management, it was found to be below average as these financial practices are not done frequently compared to the other practices. Investments in unit trusts and company shares are normally done


only once or twice as a form of long-term investment. Meanwhile, for life insurance, health insurance and education insurance, it is normally purchased as one product but paid monthly. Insurance for credit or loans are similar as it will only be purchased when buying a house or a car which are generally done once every 10 years.

Table 4: Financial Management Practices

Item Mean Standard Deviation

Cash-Flow Dimension Plan for long-term financial goals. 3.85 1.029 Pay all bills within specified duration. 3.98 1.075 Have a complete system for financial record keeping.

3.12 1.187

Mentally make financial plans for all expenses. 3.59 1.345 Manually record financial plans for all expenses. 3.36 1.177 Determine total amount of income. 3.45 1.116 Spend according to plan. 3.72 1.047

Credit Dimension

Plan before taking any type of credit/loans. 3.73 1.211 Have a list of debts. 3.21 1.246 Keep a record for the list of debts. 3.36 1.249 Payment of credit/loans is done according to schedule.

3.73 1.235

Savings Dimension

Savings made for emergency needs. 3.76 1.063 Savings made for long-term goals (e.g: Education, purchasing a house or for Hajj).

3.79 1.156

Investment Dimension Invest in multiple investments. 2.37 1.167 Invest in unit trust. 2.96 1.359 Invest in company shares.

1.83 1.113

Risk Management Dimension Insurance is purchased for house or vehicle. 3.62 1.251 Life insurance or health insurance is purchased for myself.

3.09 1.379

Life/ Education/ Health insurance is purchased for my family members.

2.93 1.391

Insurance is purchased for credit or loans. 2.83 1.408


Future financial well-being Future financial well-being in this study was measured using the respondent’s satisfaction level with 8 items as listed in Table 5. The items were measured using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5 where 1 represent very unsatisfied and 5 represent very satisfied. The highest mean score is for health while the least mean score is for investment level. Health is found to have the highest mean score as respondents are financially secured in terms of health due to the healthcare scheme provided for government employees. This serves their expectation that their healthcare expenses will be provided for. Similar to financial management practices where the results show investment level has the lowest mean. This may be a result of the infrequent practice of investment in company shares and unit trusts as it is one form of long-term investment. The respondents are also satisfied with their sense of preparedness in the future in terms of savings, debt, income, asset and wealth as well as preparedness for emergencies and expenses level. When one is prepared with savings and have managed their debt, income, asset and wealth well, they will expect a better future financial well-being.

Table 5: Future Financial Well-Being

Item Mean Standard Deviation

Savings level 3.10 1.013 Debt level 3.15 1.631 Investment level 2.93 1.017 Income level 3.19 0.973 Asset and wealth level 3.19 0.969 Health 3.46 0.870 Preparedness for emergencies 3.35 0.900 Expenses level 3.33 0.900

Conclusion and Implications Results from this study found that the respondents have an equal amount of debt to wealth and their current financial adequacy is only enough for basic needs. Respondents of this study were also found to have good financial management practices in terms of paying bills on time and plan before taking loans or credit. Insurance is not frequently purchased and the respondents did not partake in investment frequently. As for the future financial well-being of respondents, the highest item was found to be health as it is a benefit provided by the government for government employees.


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AMALAN PEMBELIAN PRODUK HALAL DALAM KALANGAN PENGGUNA ISLAM DI

ALOR GAJAH, MELAKA


Jabatan Pengurusan Sumber dan Pengajian Pengguna Fakulti Ekologi Manusia Universiti Putra Malaysia

Pengenalan Menurut Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia, peratusan penduduk Islam di Malaysia meningkat dari tahun ke tahun dan telah mencapai lebih separuh daripada jumlah keseluruhan penduduk negara. Sebagai sebuah negara majmuk dengan populasi Islam terbesar, tentunya proses pemilihan dan pembelian produk bagi pengguna Islam adalah berdasarkan ketentuan syariat (Dianti, 2013). Peningkatan kesedaran dalam kalangan penduduk Islam di seluruh dunia telah meningkatkan permintaan bagi produk halal (Hasleena, Zuraini, Normala, & Kamaruzaman, 2013). Walau bagaimanapun, status halal bukan hanya perlu jelas dalam produk makanan sahaja, malahan apa-apa barang yang diguna pakai, seperti produk farmaseutikal dan produk kosmetik. Hal ini kerana makanan, produk farmaseutikal, kosmetik dan produk penjagaan diri merupakan tuntutan keperluan manusia yang penting bagi masyarakat moden hari ini (Mursyidi, 2013). Pengguna Islam pada hari ini berhadapan dengan pilihan yang luas bagi produk dan perkhidmatan. Setiap kategori produk menawarkan banyak jenama yang berbeza-beza, sama ada dari dalam mahupun luar negara. Hal ini menimbulkan isu status halal bagi produk-produk yang pengguna sendiri tidak tahu akan kandungan yang terdapat dalam produk tersebut (Syed & Nazura, 2011). Oleh itu, isu mengenai pemilihan produk halal dilihat semakin serius dalam kalangan penduduk Malaysia, terutama bagi yang beragama Islam. Pada tahun 2004, Malaysia telah mengeluarkan standard Halal MS1500:2004 yang dikatakan yang pertama seumpamanya di dunia. Standard Halal MS1500:2004 ialah garis panduan dalam penyediaan dan pengendalian makanan halal atau peraturan asas produk makanan serta perdagangan atau perniagaan makanan oleh industri makanan. MS1500:2004 dibangunkan mengikut kaedah ISO dan merupakan piawaian halal yang pertama dibangunkan oleh negara Islam (Nik & Filzah, 2009).


Dari aspek undang-undang, terdapat peruntukan di bawah Akta Perihal Dagangan 2011 berhubung dengan pensijilan halal. Jabatan Kemajuan Islam (JAKIM) dan Majlis Agama Islam Negeri (MAIN) merupakan pihak berkuasa yang bertanggungjawab untuk memperakukan bahawa mana-mana makanan, barang atau perkhidmatan adalah halal mengikut Perintah Perihal Dagangan (Takrif Halal) 2011. Tujuan utama undang-undang ini adalah untuk memastikan bahawa satu piawaian barang yang tertentu tersedia untuk pengguna. Undang-undang ini juga adalah untuk melindungi pengguna daripada membeli barang melalui maklumat palsu atau mengelirukan berkenaan kualiti, piawaian, kesesuaian untuk digunakan dan ketulenan (Zakaria, 2008). Hanya logo halal JAKIM sahaja yang dibenarkan untuk diguna, terutamanya di premis makanan melalui penguatkuasaan perintah ini. Undang-undang ini turut terpakai untuk semua produk pengguna, seperti kosmetik dan ubat-ubatan. Seperti yang dinyatakan oleh mantan Menteri Kesihatan Malaysia, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, industri farmaseutikal Malaysia mendapat pengiktirafan global dengan eksport dijangka berkembang 8% pada tahun 2012 kepada RM610 juta daripada RM564 juta pada tahun 2011. Pengiktirafan ini perlulah diperluaskan lagi dengan kehadiran farmaseutikal halal. Salah satu isu mengenai farmaseutikal yang menjejaskan pengguna Islam ialah penggunaan gelatin dalam produk ini. Masih ramai pengguna tidak sedar bahawa sebahagian besar produk farmaseutikal dihasilkan daripada gelatin yang diperoleh daripada tulang dan kulit haiwan yang tidak diketahui akan status halalnya (Abdul, Abdullah, Asma, Cheng & Mohamad, 2010). Begitu juga dalam pengeluaran produk kosmetik. Menurut Abdul et al. (2010), tahap kesedaran dalam kalangan pengguna mengenai kepentingan kosmetik halal adalah amat memberangsangkan. Hal ini menunjukkan akan ada gelombang baharu dalam pasaran kosmetik global yang akan menyebabkan permintaan untuk produk-produk kosmetik yang memenuhi keperluan agama dan budaya. Laporan Halal Development Centre (HDC) pada 2011 menyatakan bahawa terdapat 114 perniagaan tempatan dan sejumlah 3493 produk penjagaan diri dan kosmetik yang telah diperakui halal. Oleh itu, objektif kajian ini adalah untuk menganalisis amalan pembelian dalam kalangan pengguna Islam ke atas produk halal yang berbeza-beza. Kajian ini menumpukan kepada tiga jenis produk halal iaitu makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal. Artikel ini seterusnya mengkaji tentang sejauh mana faktor sensitiviti isu halal, kesan terhadap risiko dan tekanan sosial mempengaruhi amalan pembelian produk makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal yang halal di sekitar Alor Gajah, Melaka.


Kajian Literatur Kajian ini menggunakan teori Hunt dan Vitell (1986) yang melihat sejauh mana seseorang itu melakukan amalan yang baik dan dalam konteks ini merujuk kepada amalan pembelian yang mengutamakan isu halal. Walaupun teori ini lebih menjurus kepada pihak pengeluar atau pembekal, namun digunakan juga dalam konteks pengguna, seperti oleh Bone dan Corey (2000) dalam isu pembungkusan, dan oleh Sturdivant dan Cocanougher (1973) dalam isu pengiklanan. Menurut teori Hunt dan Vitell, seseorang itu haruslah peka atau sensitif terhadap sesuatu isu sebelum dia melakukan amalan yang baik atau sebaliknya. Sebagai contoh, pengguna seharusnya sensitif terhadap isu halal kerana dengan sensitiviti tersebut akan mendorong pengguna mengamalkan pembelian yang berlandaskan syariat. Kegagalan untuk sensitif adalah sangat berbahaya kerana akan menyebabkan seseorang itu melakukan sesuatu yang melanggar undang-undang atau dalam hal ini merujuk kepada pengambilan produk yang tidak halal (Ferrell et al., 2010). Berdasarkan teori Hunt dan Vitell, terdapat teori lain yang menyokong proses pembuatan keputusan individu. Antara teori yang penting ialah teori Jones (1991), iaitu berdasarkan teori ini, setiap amalan yang baik dipengaruhi oleh dua faktor yang penting, iaitu “kesan terhadap risiko” dan “tekanan sosial”. Faktor kesan terhadap risiko bermaksud cara sesuatu amalan tersebut memberi kesan kepada diri sendiri atau orang lain. Kajian lepas menunjukkan hubungan yang positif antara kesan terhadap risiko dengan amalan yang baik (Hunt & Vasquez-Parraga, 1993). Sebagai contoh, sekiranya sesuatu perbuatan mendatangkan kemudaratan yang serius, hal ini membuatkan seseorang itu tidak akan melakukan perbuatan tersebut. Walau bagaimanapun, sekiranya sesuatu perbuatan itu membawa kesan kemudaratan yang kecil dan tidak serius, seseorang itu akan melakukan perbuatan tersebut. Faktor kedua, iaitu tekanan sosial pula bermaksud sejauh mana seseorang itu merasakan orang di sekelilingnya atau orang yang rapat dengannya merasakan amalan tersebut wajar dilakukan. Dalam konteks halal, sejauh manakah seseorang itu merasakan masyarakat dan orang yang hampir dengannya merasakan amalan pembelian haruslah berlandaskan syariat? Faktor tekanan sosial ini mencerminkan tanggapan norma sosial bagi sesuatu isu. Chen, Pan dan Pan (2009) dalam kajian mereka menyatakan bahawa niat penggunaan sesuatu produk oleh pengguna dipengaruhi oleh isu intensiti moral. Faktor tekanan sosial contohnya, memperlihatkan tanggapan masyarakat, khususnya masyarakat Islam terhadap amalan yang baik, iaitu pembelian produk yang halal. Oleh itu, berdasarkan dua teori ini, terdapat tiga faktor penting untuk dikaji, iaitu sensitiviti terhadap isu halal, kesan terhadap risiko, dan tekanan sosial.


Kajian lepas menunjukkan pengguna sensitif terhadap isu halal, terutamanya isu yang berkaitan dengan makanan halal. Menurut Zainal Abidin dan Rezai (2008), pengguna lebih berhati-hati dalam menilai kehalalan semua jenis produk makanan dengan merujuk kepada senarai kandungan bahan bagi menghasilkan produk tersebut. Arshia (2012) juga menyatakan bahawa pengguna Islam sensitif terhadap cara sesuatu produk dihasilkan atau bahan yang digunakan dalam penghasilan sesuatu produk. Hal ini menunjukkan konsep halal dan kehalalan sebagai isu yang sangat penting bagi pengguna Islam, terutama dalam aspek makanan, justeru mengambarkan pengguna sensitif terhadap isu ini. Walau bagaimanapun, hal ini berbeza dengan sensitiviti pengguna terhadap produk selain makanan. Hunter (2012) menyatakan bahawa kesedaran tentang kosmetik halal masih rendah dalam kalangan pengguna Islam. Ahlam, Azmawani, dan Suhaimi (2015) juga menyatakan bahawa tingkah laku pembelian pengguna adalah lebih cenderung ke arah produk makanan berbanding dengan kosmetik halal. Dapatan kajian ini serupa dengan kajian Mohani et al. (2009), iaitu keprihatinan pengguna terhadap isu halal pada produk farmaseutikal dan kosmetik masih lagi rendah. Hal ini mungkin kerana produk kosmetik sifatnya berbeza dengan makanan dan farmaseutikal, iaitu tidak masuk secara langsung ke dalam tubuh badan, tetapi keraguan status halal tetap ada (Yusuf, 2013). Oleh itu, wujudnya keperluan untuk mengkaji amalan pembelian pengguna dalam tiga produk yang berbeza iaitu makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal kerana amalan pengguna adalah berbeza-beza berdasarkan produk yang berlainan. Metodologi Kajian ini ialah kajian yang berbentuk deskriptif dan menggunakan borang soal selidik sebagai cara pengumpulan data. Senarai taman di Mukim Gadek telah diperoleh daripada Majlis Perbandaran Alor Gajah, Melaka. Walaupun terdapat enam buah taman perumahan di Mukim Gadek, namun hanya tiga buah taman perumahan iaitu Taman Pisang Emas, Taman Markisah dan Taman Ganun Setia sahaja dipilih berdasarkan teknik selang dan nombor genap. Seramai 50 orang responden dipilih secara sistematik untuk mewakili setiap taman perumahan dan membawa kepada jumlah 150 orang responden. Borang soal selidik terdiri daripada tiga bahagian, iaitu Bahagian A, Bahagian B, dan Bahagian C. Bahagian A ialah latar belakang responden iaitu berkaitan umur, bilangan isi rumah, tahap pendidikan, status perkahwinan, pendapatan kasar bulanan, sumber mendapatkan maklumat, dan isu sensitiviti berkenaan produk halal. Bahagian B mengemukakan


soalan yang berkaitan dengan intensiti moral, mengukur dimensi “tekanan sosial” dan “kesan terhadap risiko” yang mempunyai tiga senario, iaitu setiap satu senario mewakili produk yang berbeza iaitu makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal. Bahagian C adalah mengenai amalan pembelian produk halal yang berbeza-beza dan mengandungi 15 soalan dan pilihan jawapan berbentuk skala Likert. Latar belakang responden Jadual 1 menunjukkan taburan responden mengikut maklumat demografi. Kebanyakan daripada responden terdiri daripada perempuan, iaitu sebanyak 62.7 peratus dan selebihnya ialah lelaki iaitu sebanyak 37.4 peratus. Pendapatan bulanan penduduk Islam di Gadek, Alor Gajah secara umumnya adalah antara RM3,001 - RM4,000 yang mewakili 30.9 peratus dan diikuti rapat oleh responden yang mempunyai pendapatan bulanan antara RM2,000 -RM3,000 dengan peratusan sebanyak 24.5 peratus. Hal ini menunjukkan komuniti di kawasan Gadek, Alor Gajah mewakili penduduk berpendapatan tetap dan sederhana memandangkan kebanyakan mereka bekerja di syarikat swasta atau kerajaan. Kebanyakan responden juga mendapat maklumat tentang produk halal melalui media elektronik seperti melalui televisyen, Internet dan lain-lain, iaitu sebanyak 61.2 peratus. Sementara, sumber maklumat daripada keluarga dan rakan-rakan berkongsi pemilihan daripada jumlah responden yang sama, iaitu masing-masing sebanyak 11.5 peratus.

Jadual 1: Latar Belakang Responden

Angkubah Bilangan (n) Peratus (%) Jantina Lelaki Perempuan

52 87

37.4 62.7

Pendapatan bulanan Bawah RM1,000 RM1,001 ̶ RM2,000 RM2,001 ̶ RM3,000 RM3,001 ̶ RM4,000 RM4,001 ̶ RM5,000 RM5,001 ̶ RM6,000 RM6,001 ̶ RM7,000 Atas RM10,000

7

20 34 43 18 7 8 2

5

14.4 24.5 30.9 12.9 5.0 5.8 1.4


Jadual 1 (sambungan)

Angkubah Bilangan (n) Peratus (%) Sumber maklumat halal Keluarga Rakan-rakan Media elektronik Media cetak

16 16 85 22

11.5 11.5 61.2 15.8

Tahap sensitiviti terhadap isu halal Rajah 1 menunjukkan bahawa tahap sensitiviti responden di sekitar Gadek, Alor Gajah terhadap isu halal adalah sangat tinggi, iaitu majoriti atau 41.7 peratus responden sangat sensitif terhadap isu halal. Hanya sebanyak 21.6 peratus responden bersikap sensitiviti sederhana terhadap isu halal. Walau bagaimanapun, dapat dilihat bahawa tidak seorang pun responden yang sangat tidak sensitif atau tidak sensitif terhadap isu ini. Hal ini selari dengan pernyataan Ahmad Sanep et al. (2007) yang mendapati responden yang beragama Islam amat sensitif terhadap pembelian sesuatu produk halal di pasaran dan juga kajian oleh Mohani et al. (2009) yang menyatakan bahawa 99.0 peratus daripada responden amat prihatin terhadap penggunaan logo halal pada produk makanan.

Rajah 1: Tahap Sensitiviti terhadap Isu Halal


“Kesan terhadap Risiko” terhadap amalan pembelian produk halal (a) Makanan Jadual 2(a) menunjukkan dapatan kajian berkaitan “kesan terhadap risiko” pengguna terhadap amalan pembelian makanan halal. Pemboleh ubah ini diukur melalui sebuah senario iaitu Ali, seorang pelanggan beragama Islam mengetahui bahawa restoran makanan tersebut diusahakan oleh penganut bukan Islam dan restoran tersebut tidak mendapat pengesahan halal daripada JAKIM. Namun, Ali tetap menjamu selera di restoran tersebut. Kesan terhadap risiko adalah berdasarkan empat perkara iaitu kesan magnitud, kesan kebarangkalian, kesediaan sementara dan kesan tumpuan. Hasil analisis memperlihat sebanyak 47.5 peratus responden sangat tidak bersetuju bahawa tindakan tersebut akan menyebabkan risiko yang kecil manakala nilai terendah, iaitu sebanyak 2.2 peratus responden memilih setuju bagi tindakan tersebut. Hal ini menjelaskan bahawa mereka merasakan bahawa terdapat risiko pengambilan makanan yang tidak halal. Bagi pernyataan, “Ada sedikit kemungkinan sahaja bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut akan menyebabkan bahaya kepada pengguna Islam yang lain.” menunjukkan kebanyakan responden sangat setuju (26.4%) dan sebanyak 18.7 peratus sangat tidak setuju akan perkara tersebut. Hal ini menunjukkan responden dapat menjangkakan kesan bahaya daripada tindakan tersebut kepada pengguna Islam yang lain. Hanya sebanyak 7.9 peratus responden sangat bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut tidak akan menimbulkan bahaya dalam jangka masa yang terdekat dan sebanyak 33.1 peratus responden sangat tidak setuju tentang perkara itu. Oleh itu, ini bermaksud bahawa responden tahu bahawa kesan daripada tindakan itu akan membawa risiko kepada pengguna Islam yang lain dalam masa yang terdekat. Pernyataan terakhir bagi dimensi kesan terhadap risiko menyatakan “Tindakan Ali tersebut akan membahayakan sedikit orang sahaja, iaitu dirinya sahaja.” memberikan tindak balas positif responden, iaitu menunjukkan majoriti atau sebanyak 40.3 peratus responden sangat tidak bersetuju, dan hanya sebanyak 8.6 peratus responden masing-masing setuju dan sangat setuju dengan pernyataan tersebut. Hal ini menjelaskan responden tahu tindakan itu turut melibatkan kesan risiko kepada masyarakat Islam yang lain.


Jadual 2(a): “Kesan terhadap Risiko” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Makanan Halal

No. Pernyataan Bilangan (n) dan Peratusan (%) STS TS N S SS

1. Tindakan di atas akan menyebabkan risiko yang kecil.

66 (47.5)

25 (18.0)

38 (27.3) 3 (2.2) 7 (5.0)

2.

Ada sedikit kemungkinan sahaja bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut akan menyebabkan bahaya kepada pengguna Islam yang lain.

26 (18.7)

16 (11.5)

33 (23.7)

27 (19.4)

37 (26.4)

3.

Tindakan Ali tersebut tidak akan menimbulkan bahaya dalam jangka masa yang terdekat.

46 (33.1)

27 (19.4)

29 (20.9)

26 (18.7)

11 (7.9)

4.

Tindakan Ali tersebut akan membahayakan sedikit orang sahaja, iaitu dirinya sahaja.

56 (40.3)

32 (23.0)

27 (19.4)

12 (8.6)

12 (8.6)

(b) Kosmetik Jadual 2(b) menunjukkan kajian kesan terhadap risiko terhadap amalan pembelian kosmetik halal. Kesan ini diukur melalui sebuah senario yang sama seperti makanan tetapi diubah kepada produk kosmetik, iaitu Ali tetap membeli produk kosmetik walaupun tahu tiada logo halal. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahawa lebih separuh daripada responden (55.4%) sangat tidak bersetuju bahawa tindakan tersebut akan menyebabkan risiko yang kecil dan hanya sebanyak 1.4 peratus responden sangat setuju akan pernyataan tersebut. Bagi pernyataan, “Ada sedikit kemungkinan sahaja bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut akan menyebabkan bahaya kepada pengguna Islam yang lain.” menunjukkan sebanyak 28.1 peratus responden sangat tidak bersetuju, manakala sebanyak 27.3 peratus responden lain sangat bersetuju dengan tindakan tersebut. Dapatan kajian juga jelas menunjukkan bahawa sebanyak 36.0 peratus responden sangat tidak bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut tidak akan menimbulkan bahaya dalam jangka masa yang terdekat dan hanya sebanyak 17.2 peratus responden bersetuju dengan tindakan tersebut. Pernyataan


terakhir bagi dimensi kesan terhadap risiko menyatakan “Tindakan Ali tersebut akan membahayakan sedikit orang sahaja, iaitu dirinya sahaja.” memberikan tindak balas positif responden, iaitu sebanyak 46.0 peratus sangat tidak bersetuju dengan tindakan tersebut dan hanya sebanyak 3.6 peratus sangat setuju dengan perkara tersebut.

Jadual 2(b): “Kesan terhadap Risiko” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Kosmetik Halal

No. Pernyataan Bilangan (n) dan Peratusan (%)

STS TS N S SS


77 (55.4)

28 (20.1)

9 (6.5)

23 (16.5)

2 (1.4)

2.


39 (28.1)

21 (15.1)

22 (15.8)

24 (17.3)

33 (27.3)

3.


50 (36.0)

27 (19.4)

33 (23.7)

10 (7.2)

19 (13.7)

4.


64 (46.0)

37 (26.6)

14 (10.1)

19 (13.7)

5 (3.6)

(c) Farmaseutikal Jadual 2(c) menunjukkan kajian kesan terhadap risiko pengguna terhadap amalan pembelian produk farmaseutikal halal. Pemboleh ubah diukur melalui senario yang sama seperti makanan tetapi diubah kepada produk farmaseutikal, iaitu Ali tetap membeli ubat di farmasi walaupun tidak mempunyai pengesahan JAKIM. Hasil analisis menunjukkan tindak balas positif, iaitu sebanyak 54.7 peratus responden sangat tidak setuju dengan pernyataan tindakan tersebut akan menyebabkan risiko yang kecil dan tiada seorang pun responden yang sangat bersetuju dengan tindakan itu (0.0%). Bagi pernyataan “Ada sedikit kemungkinan sahaja bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut akan menyebabkan bahaya kepada pengguna Islam yang lain.” Hal ini menunjukkan majoriti responden sangat setuju (24.5%) dengan pernyataan tersebut dan hanya sebanyak 12.2 peratus responden tidak setuju.


Jadual 2(c): “Kesan terhadap Risiko” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Produk Farmaseutikal Halal


STS TS N S SS


76 (54.7)

23 (16.5)

24 (17.3)

16 (11.5)

0 (0.0)

2.


31 (22.3)

17 (12.2)

30 (21.6)

27 (19.4)

34 (24.5)

3.


43 (30.9)

30 (21.6)

45 (32.4)

2 (1.4)

19 (13.7)

4.


62 (44.6)

25 (18.0)

34 (24.5)

17 (12.2)

1 (0.7)

Bagi pernyataan “Tindakan Ali tersebut tidak akan menimbulkan bahaya dalam jangka masa yang terdekat.” memperlihat rata-rata responden adalah neutral (32.4%) bagi pernyataan tersebut dan hanya sebanyak 1.4 peratus responden bersetuju. Bagi pernyataan “Tindakan Ali tersebut akan membahayakan sedikit orang sahaja, iaitu dirinya sahaja.” menunjukkan tindak balas positif, iaitu sebanyak 44.6 peratus responden sangat tidak setuju dan hanya sebanyak 0.7 peratus responden sangat setuju dengan pernyataan itu. Rajah 2 menunjukkan purata nilai bagi kesan terhadap risiko terhadap amalan pembelian produk halal yang berbeza-beza. Dapatan ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa kekuatan moral pengguna menjurus kepada produk kosmetik yang halal, iaitu 14.73 dan diikuti oleh produk farmaseutikal iaitu 14.51 dan purata kekuatan paling rendah bagi dimensi ini ialah 14.06 iaitu bagi amalan pembelian produk makanan yang halal. Menurut pengguna, risiko terhadap penggunaan kosmetik tidak halal adalah lebih tinggi berbanding dengan produk makanan dan farmaseutikal.Namun, tiada literatur untuk menyokong kenyataan ini kerana tiada kajian yang dibuat bagi melihat kesan terhadap risiko pengguna terhadap pengambilan produk halal.


13.8

14

14.2

14.4

14.6

14.8

makanan kosmetik farmaseutikal

14.14

14.73

14.51 Pu

rata

(n)

Produk

Kesan Terhadap Risiko

Rajah 2: Purata Nilai Bagi “Kesan terhadap Risiko” terhadap Amalan

Pembelian Produk Halal yang Berbeza-beza

“Tekanan Sosial” terhadap amalan pembelian produk halal (a) Makanan Jadual 3(a) menunjukkan “tekanan sosial” pengguna terhadap amalan pembelian makanan halal. Sebuah senario yang sama dengan sebelum ini digunakan dan Tekanan Sosial diukur melalui dua pernyataan. Hasil analisis menjelaskan majoriti responden sangat setuju (54.7%) dengan pernyataan bahawa “Kebanyakan orang akan bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” dan hanya sebanyak 2.2 peratus responden tidak bersetuju tentang perkara tersebut. Hasil tindak balas positif oleh responden juga ditunjukkan melalui pernyataan, “Sekiranya, Ali membeli untuk isteri dan anaknya, tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” iaitu majoriti responden sangat bersetuju (48.2%) dan hanya sebanyak 0.7 peratus tidak bersetuju.

Jadual 3(a): “Tekanan Sosial” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Makanan Halal


STS TS N S SS

1. Kebanyakan orang akan bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.

3 (2.2)

7 (5.0)

20 (14.4)

33 (27.3)

76 (54.7)

n=139, Minimum=5.0, Maksimum=20.0


Jadual 3(a) (sambungan)


2.

Sekiranya, Ali membeli untuk isteri dan anaknya, tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.

10 (7.2)

1 (0.7)

26 (18.7)

35 (25.2)

67 (48.2)

(b) Kosmetik Jadual 3(b) menunjukkan tekanan sosial pengguna terhadap amalan pembelian kosmetik halal. Senario melalui pernyataan yang sama seperti sebelumnya diukur, iaitu Ali tetap membeli kosmetik walaupun tidak mempunyai logo halal. Hasil analisis yang positif ditunjukkan melalui kedua-dua pernyataan yang mewakili dimensi intensi moral tersebut. Pernyataan “Kebanyakan orang akan bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” adalah sangat dipersetujui (64.0%) oleh majoriti responden dan hanya seorang responden atau 0.7 peratus tidak bersetuju. Majoriti responden juga sangat setuju (55.4%) dengan pernyataan “Sekiranya, Ali membeli untuk isteri dan anaknya, tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” manakala sebanyak 0.7 peratus tidak bersetuju dengan pernyataan tersebut.

Jadual 3(b): “Tekanan Sosial” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Kosmetik

Halal



6 (4.3)

1 (0.7)

20 (14.4)

23 (16.5)

89 (64.0)

2.


12 (8.7)

1 (0.7)

10 (7.2)

39 (28.1)

77 (55.4)

(c) Farmaseutikal Jadual 3(c) menunjukkan tekanan sosial pengguna terhadap amalan pembelian produk farmaseutikal halal. Senario yang sama melalui pernyataan, iaitu Ali tetap membeli ubat di farmasi walaupun tidak mempunyai pengesahan JAKIM.


7.88

8.28.48.6

Makanan Kosmetik Farmaseutikal

8.3 8.56 8.16

Pura

ta (n

)

Produk

Tekanan Sosial

Tekanan Sosial

Hasil analisis kajian memperlihat rata-rata responden sangat bersetuju (54.7%) dan hanya sebanyak 4.3 peratus sangat tidak setuju dengan pernyataan “Kebanyakan orang akan bersetuju bahawa tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” Dalam masa yang sama juga, pernyataan “Sekiranya, Ali membeli untuk isteri dan anaknya, tindakan Ali tersebut adalah salah.” mendapat persetujuan yang sangat tinggi (55.4%) dan hanya seorang responden sahaja tidak setuju dengan perkara tersebut.

Jadual 3(c) : “Tekanan Sosial” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Produk Farmaseutikal Halal


STS TS N S SS


6 (4.3)

11 (7.9)

31 (22.3)

15 (10.8)

76 (54.7)

2.


10 (7.2)

1 (0.7)

27 (19.4)

24 (17.3)

77 (55.4)

Rajah 3 menunjukkan purata nilai tekanan sosial terhadap amalan pembelian produk halal yang berbeza-beza. Dapatan jelas menunjukkan bahawa nilai purata bagi produk kosmetik yang halal ialah 8.56, diikuti oleh produk makanan (8.3) dan purata kekuatan paling rendah bagi dimensi ini ialah 8.16, iaitu terhadap amalan pembelian produk farmaseutikal yang halal. Hal ini menjelaskan bahawa keputusan individu amat mementingkan tanggapan masyarakat Islam, khususnya dalam amalan pembelian produk kosmetik yang halal berbanding dengan produk makanan dan farmaseutikal.

Rajah 3: “Tekanan Sosial” terhadap Amalan Pembelian Produk Halal



Amalan pembelian produk halal Jadual 4 menunjukkan hasil analisis bagi amalan pembelian produk halal yang berbeza-beza iaitu makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal. Bagi produk makanan, hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa majoriti responden selalu (80.6%) menjamu selera di restoran yang mempunyai perakuan logo halal JAKIM yang sah sahaja dan hanya sebanyak 0.7 peratus responden jarang memilih untuk menjamu selera di restoran yang mempunyai perakuan logo halal JAKIM yang sah sahaja. Kemudian, rata-rata responden selalu (44.9%) memilih untuk membeli makanan di premis bukan Islam yang mempunyai logo halal yang sah sekiranya mereka menyediakan makanan berunsur sayur-sayuran sahaja. Bagi produk kosmetik, hasil analisis memperlihatkan bahawa sebanyak 42.3 peratus responden hanya membeli produk kosmetik yang mempunyai logo halal sah JAKIM sahaja dan sebanyak 1.4 peratus sahaja yang tidak hanya membeli produk kosmetik yang mempunyai logo halal sah JAKIM. Selain itu, analisis menunjukkan kesemua responden membaca label kandungan bahan sebelum membeli produk kosmetik dan majoriti responden menyatakan selalu membaca label (61.9%). Bagi produk farmaseutikal, analisis menunjukkan 49.7 peratus responden selalu dan 12.2 peratus tidak pernah membeli ubat-ubatan yang dihasilkan di luar negara yang tidak mempunyai logo halal. Selain itu, majoriti responden kadang-kadang (49.6%) membaca label kandungan bahan sebelum membeli sebarang jenis ubat-ubatan dan sebanyak 1.4 peratus jarang melakukannya. Didapati juga, sebanyak 55.4 peratus responden membeli ubat-ubatan yang hanya mempunyai pengiktirafan halal oleh JAKIM dan sebanyak 1.4 peratus tidak pernah melakukannya.

Jadual 4: Amalan Pembelian Produk Halal

No. Pernyataan Bilangan (n) / Peratusan (%) TP J K S

MAKANAN

1. Saya memerhatikan penggunaan logo halal pada makanan.

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

37 (26.6)

102 (73.4)

2. Saya menjamu selera di restoran yang mempunyai perakuan logo halal JAKIM yang sah sahaja.

0 (0.0)

1 (0.7)

26 (18.7)

112 (80.6)




MAKANAN

3.

Saya membeli makanan di premis bukan Islam yang mempunyai logo halal sah, sekiranya mereka menyediakan makanan berunsur sayur-sayuran sahaja.

23 (16.5)

22 (15.8)

29 (20.9)

65 (44.9)

4.

Saya membeli produk makanan yang mengandungi pewarna dari kod E471 dengan mengetahui secara mendalam sumbernya.

14 (10.1)

40 (28.8)

31 (22.3)

54 (38.3)

5. Saya membeli produk makanan dengan mengenalpasti sama ada logo halal itu tepat atau tidak.

17 (12.2)

33 (23.7)

29 (20.9)

60 (43.1)

KOSMETIK

6.

Saya menggunakan kosmetik yang dihasilkan di luar negara yang mempunyai logo halal negara tersebut.

26 (18.7)

27 (19.4)

28 (20.1)

58 (41.7)

7. Saya membeli produk kosmetik buatan Malaysia yang mempunyai logo halal yang sah.

43 (30.9)

38 (28.1)

29 (20.9)

28 (20.1)

8.

Saya menggunakan kosmetik yang dihasilkan di luar negara yang mempunyai logo halal yang diiktiraf oleh JAKIM.

27 (19.4)

20 (14.4)

41 (29.5)

51 (36.7)

9. Saya hanya membeli produk kosmetik yang mempunyai logo halal sah JAKIM sahaja.

2 (1.4)

32 (23.0)

45 (32.4)

60 (42.3)

10. Saya membaca label kandungan bahan sebelum membeli produk kosmetik.

0 (0.0)

27 (19.4)

26 (18.7)

86 (61.9)

FARMASEUTIKAL 11. Saya tidak membeli ubat-ubatan

yang dihasilkan di luar negara yang tidak mempunyai logo halal.

17 (12.2)

25 (18.0)

28 (20.1)

69 (49.6)

12. Saya mementingkan status halal

pada ubat-ubatan, juga kualitinya. 22

(15.8) 26

(18.7) 27

(19.4) 64

(46.0) 13. Saya tidak membeli dan mengambil

ubat-ubatan yang telah ditetapkan oleh doktor, kerana tidak mengetahui status halal ubat-ubatan tersebut.

17 (12.2)

37 (26.6)

31 (22.3)

54 (38.8)




FARMASEUTIKAL 14. Saya membaca label kandungan

bahan sebelum membeli sebarang jenis ubat-ubatan.

0 (0.0)

2 (1.4)

69 (49.6)

68 (48.9)

15. Saya membeli ubat-ubatan yang hanya mempunyai pengiktirafan halal oleh JAKIM.

2 (1.4)

8 (5.8)

52 (37.4)

77 (55.4)

Walau bagaimanapun, jika dibandingkan antara soalan 2, 9 dan 15 dalam Jadual 4, yang menyatakan berkenaan pemilihan pengguna pada produk yang hanya mempunyai pengiktirafan sah daripada JAKIM sahaja, jelas menunjukkan peratusan tertinggi adalah bagi produk makanan (80.6%). Namun, peratusan adalah rendah bagi pemilihan produk kosmetik (42.3%) dan farmaseutikal (55.4%). Hal ini menjelaskan bahawa pengguna lebih berhati-hati berkenaan logo halal sah JAKIM bagi produk makanan berbanding dengan produk kosmetik dan farmaseutikal. Hal ini selaras dengan dapatan dalam Rajah 4 yang menunjukkan bahawa amalan pembelian pengguna terhadap makanan halal adalah paling tinggi, iaitu nilai purata 16.40. Justeru, ini bermaksud bahawa responden amat menitikberatkan isu halal terhadap produk makanan terutamanya, kerana dapatan maklumat yang lebih jelas, seperti kandungan ramuan dan sebagainya. Pada zaman moden ini, dengan adanya sains dan teknologi, makanan telah mengalami pelbagai proses perkilangan. Trend ini telah menimbulkan kebimbangan dalam kalangan pengguna Islam kerana terdapat kemungkinan bahawa makanan yang diproses mengandungi bahan-bahan haram (Golnaz, 2008). Sementara itu, skor purata menunjukkan amalan pembelian produk farmaseutikal yang halal ialah sebanyak 15.86 dalam kalangan responden sekitar Gadek, Alor Gajah. Menurut kajian Abdul, Abdullah, et.al (2010), masih ramai pengguna tidak sedar bahawa sebahagian besar produk farmaseutikal dihasilkan daripada gelatin yang diperoleh daripada tulang dan kulit haiwan yang tidak diketahui akan status halalnya. Kemudian, skor purata amalan pembelian kosmetik halal adalah yang paling rendah dalam kalangan responden, iaitu dengan purata sebanyak 12.30. Hunter (2012) menyatakan bahawa kesedaran tentang kosmetik halal masih rendah dalam kalangan pengguna Islam.


02468

1012141618

Makanan Kosmetik Farmaseutikal

16.4

14.61

15.86 Pu

rata

(n)

Produk

Rajah 4: Purata Amalan Pembelian Produk Halal yang Berbeza-beza Kesimpulan dan Cadangan Secara keseluruhan analisis kajian ini mendapati bahawa responden mempunyai tahap sensitiviti yang tinggi terhadap produk kosmetik yang halal. Hal ini dijelaskan melalui hasil kajian Ahmad et al. (2007) yang mendapati responden yang beragama Islam amat sensitif terhadap pembelian sesuatu produk halal di pasaran. Melalui faktor kesan terhadap risiko, dapatan kajian menjelaskan bahawa rata-rata responden tahu bahawa pembuatan keputusannya ke atas pembelian produk kosmetik halal boleh mendatangkan risiko. Bagi faktor tekanan sosial, kajian menunjukkan responden tahu bahawa orang di sekelilingnya berpotensi dipengaruhi oleh pembuatan keputusannya ke atas pembelian produk kosmetik yang halal. Namun, tahap sensitiviti, kesan terhadap risiko dan tekanan sosial sahaja tidak mencukupi dalam menggalakkan amalan pembelian kosmetik yang halal oleh responden. Hal ini kerana rata-rata pengguna Islam menitikberatkan soal halal dalam produk yang boleh dimakan (makanan dan farmaseutikal) berbanding dengan produk kosmetik yang hanya digunakan pada bahagian luar badan. Jelas, seharusnya individu atau institusi keluarga turut menitikberatkan halal dalam amalan pembelian produk kosmetik. Oleh itu, langkah perlu diambil oleh ibu bapa, khususnya untuk mendidik anak-anak sedari kecil tentang amalan pembelian produk kosmetik yang halal. Ibu bapa perlu menekankan isu sensitiviti, pengaruh kesan terhadap risiko dan tekanan sosial sebagai pendekatan. Ibu bapa seharusnya menjadi contoh kepada anak-anak dalam



pemilihan barang halal yang bukan sahaja untuk produk makanan, bahkan juga untuk produk kosmetik dan farmaseutikal. Dilihat bahawa program pendidikan kepenggunaan halal adalah signifikan bagi memperkukuhkan lagi tingkah laku positif ini dengan memberikan kesedaran tentang kepentingan produk makanan, kosmetik dan farmaseutikal halal serta tanggungjawab memilih produk halal dalam kalangan pengguna Muslim. Bagi pengusaha industri halal pula, program pendidikan ini dapat meningkatkan kefahaman tentang penghasilan produk kosmetik dan farmaseutikal halal khususnya, dan tanggungjawab pengusaha dalam menawarkan produk halal sama ada bagi pengguna Muslim dan bukan Muslim (Jamaludin et al., 2012). Dalam masa yang sama, pengusaha turut mempergiat lagi usaha ke arah meningkatkan permintaan terhadap kosmetik halal. Lambakan pelbagai produk di pasaran, terutamanya dari luar negara mendatangkan kesukaran kepada pengguna Islam, khususnya untuk membuat pilihan. Dalam pembelian produk kosmetik dan faramseutikal terutamanya, dilihat masih kurang amalan pembelian produk yang berstatus halal oleh pengguna. Sebagai sebuah institusi kerajaan, JAKIM perlu melaksanakan undang-undang dalam menentukan standard halal yang lebih kukuh, terutama bagi produk kosmetik dan farmaseutikal dan undang-undang sedia ada perlu dikaji semula agar pengguna Islam lebih terjamin. Penggunaan logo halal yang diwajibkan kepada setiap pengusaha dilihat mampu membantu mempertingkat produk yang dijamin halal dalam pembelian pengguna, terutama pengguna yang beragama Islam. Rujukan Abdul, W.M.K., Abdullah, S., Asma, A., Cheng, W., & Mohamad, G.H. (2010). The Mainstream Cosmetics Industry in Malaysia and the Emergence, Growth, and Prospects of Halal Cosmetics. Dimuat turun pada Disember 22, 2013 dari laman web http://repo.uum.edu.my/2466/1/Abdullah_Swidi_The_Mainstream_Cosmetics_Industry.pdf. Abdullah, R. (2011). Ketahui Asal Ubat. MyMetro. Dimuat turun pada Disember 24, 2013 dari laman web http://www.hmetro.com.my/articles/Ketahuiasalubat/Article/. Ahlam, N.A., Azmawani, A.A., & Suhaimi, A.R. (2015). Assessing knowledge and religiosity on consumer behavior towards halal food and cosmetic products. International Journal of Social Science and Humanity, 5(1), 10–14.


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AMALAN PENGGUNAAN SEMULA SISA PEPEJAL DALAM KALANGAN ISI RUMAH

Zuroni Md Jusoh1

Farhan Mat Arisah1 Mumtazah Othman1

Norhasmah Sulaiman2 Husniyah Abd Rahim1

1Jabatan Pengurusan Sumber dan Pengajian Pengguna, Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

2Jabatan Pemakanan dan Dietetik, Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Pengenalan Secara umumnya, negara maju mempunyai tahap kualiti hidup yang baik. Justeru, tahap kualiti hidup yang tinggi merupakan ciri penting bagi Malaysia, iaitu selaras dengan matlamat untuk mencapai status negara maju berpendapatan tinggi menjelang tahun 2020. Rakyat Malaysia bukan sahaja menikmati pertumbuhan ekonomi yang mampan dan pendapatan per kapita yang lebih tinggi malah menikmati kualiti hidup yang lebih baik. Hal ini bermakna rakyat Malaysia juga dapat merasai, antaranya perkhidmatan pendidikan dan kesihatan yang lebih berkualiti, alam sekitar yang lebih terpelihara, persekitaran kerja yang kondusif serta sistem pengangkutan dan komunikasi yang cekap. Taraf hidup rakyat juga dipertingkatkan lagi dengan kediaman yang sesuai dan selesa dalam persekitaran yang harmoni dan selamat. Sejak Rancangan Malaysia Ketujuh (RMK7), negara telah meletakkan sasaran yang tinggi untuk membangun secara lestari. Selain itu, Dasar Pengguna Negara (DPN) juga telah menekankan perlunya pengguna mempunyai kesedaran tentang aspek penggunaan lestari dan meningkatkan amalan penggunaan lestari dalam mengurus sumber yang terhad. Menurut Laporan Kualiti Hidup Malaysia (2011), subindeks alam sekitar meningkat sebanyak 6.6 mata pada tahun 2010 berikutan peningkatan kualiti air sungai terpilih dan lebih banyak kawasan mencatatkan kualiti udara yang baik. Peratusan sungai bersih meningkat daripada 28.0 peratus pada tahun 2000 kepada 51.0 peratus pada tahun 2010. Bagi kualiti udara pula peratusan stesen yang mencatatkan kualiti udara yang baik meningkat daripada 84.3 peratus kepada 86.1 peratus dalam tempoh tersebut. Dalam tempoh 2006–2009, kemerosotan subindeks alam sekitar berpunca daripada masalah jerebu di rantau Asia Tenggara. Pengenalan dan


pelaksanaan dasar bagi memulihara alam sekitar, seperti Dasar Alam Sekitar Negara, Dasar Teknologi Hijau Negara, dan Dasar Perubahan Iklim Negara menunjukkan komitmen kerajaan ke arah pembangunan yang mampan. Pelaksanaan Pengurusan Hutan Mampan dan inisiatif lain, seperti projek Central Forest Spine di Semenanjung Malaysia dan Heart of Borneo di Sabah dan Sarawak telah meningkatkan kelestarian hutan dan sumber alam (Laporan Kualiti Hidup Malaysia, 2011). Walau bagaimanapun, satu daripada masalah penggunaan dalam masyarakat hari ini ialah kesan buruknya ke atas kelestarian. Kadar penggunaan telah jauh melebihi kadar penggantian yang berlaku secara semula jadi. Memang tidak dapat dinafikan tingkah laku manusia ialah punca utama kepada kemerosotan persekitaran dan kesejahteraan hidup. Hal ini dapat dilihat melalui tahap kemusnahan yang telah berlaku pada kehidupan manusia sama ada dari segi fizikal, sosial, ekonomi, psikologi mahupun spiritual. Penggunaan, eksploitasi ke atas sumber semula jadi dan pencemaran merupakan antara kesan tingkah laku ke atas persekitaran. Justeru, diperlukan penerapan amalan lestari dalam kalangan masyarakat memandangkan senario penggunaan semasa tidak sihat dan bakal memudaratkan generasi akan datang. Antara amalan penggunaan lestari ialah mengurangkan (reduce), guna semula (reuse), kitar semula (recycle), bertindak (react), dan fikir semula (rethink). Menurut Barr (2007), terdapat tiga tingkah laku pengurusan bahan buangan, iaitu mengurangkan (reduce), guna semula (reuse), dan kitar semula (recycle) yang harus diberi perhatian serius. Oleh yang demikian, artikel ini akan membincangkan mengenai amalan penggunaan semula dalam kalangan masyarakat agar amalan ini terus dipraktikkan dan dijadikan sebagai gaya hidup bermula, iaitu bermula dari aspek pembelian, penggunaan hinggalah ke peringkat pelupusan. Objektif kajian Secara umumnya, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti amalan guna semula dalam kalangan isirumah. Analisis kajian dilakukan untuk meneliti perbandingan amalan guna semula mengikut jantina. Tinjauan Literatur Amalan guna semula Secara purata, sebanyak 800 gram sisa pepejal dibuang oleh setiap rumah sehari, justeru menjadikan berat sampah yang dihasilkan oleh 27 juta penduduk Malaysia sekurang-kurangnya 30,000 tan sehari (Berita Harian,


2013). Oleh itu, kaedah pelupusan sampah secara konvensional tidak lagi praktikal kerana ruang tanah yang semakin terhad di samping menyumbang kepada masalah pencemaran yang semakin meruncing. Kementerian Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (2014) melaporkan purata penjanaan sisa pepejal di negara ini ialah 30,000 hingga 35,000 tan sehari, malah RM1.2 bilion dibelanjakan untuk menguruskan kutipan sisa dari rumah. Kajian lepas telah banyak membuktikan bahawa kegagalan untuk mengatasi masalah alam sekitar atau kegagalan untuk menyediakan alam sekitar yang sihat adalah disebabkan oleh banyak penekanan yang diberikan dalam bidang teknikal, sosioekonomi dan politik (Tikka, Kuitunen & Tynys, 2000). Kajian telah menunjukkan bahawa faktor yang paling signifikan mempengaruhi alam semula jadi bukanlah polisi kerajaan, sebaliknya ialah kesedaran umum untuk meminimumkan kesan aktiviti mereka kepada persekitaran (Mihalas, Morse, Allsopp & McHatton, 2009). Situasi ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa kesedaran masyarakat mengenai kesan aktiviti harian terhadap alam sekitar sebagai aspek yang perlu dititikberatkan. Hal ini kerana masalah alam sekitar berkait rapat dengan aktiviti manusia, iaitu melalui pola pengeluaran dan penggunaan yang diamalkan. McKeown (2002) dan Wingerter (2000) pula menyatakan trend pembangunan ekonomi sekarang tidak lestari dan mencadangkan agar kesedaran awam, pendidikan, dan latihan sebagai kunci untuk mengubah masyarakat ke arah kelestarian. Justeru, antara alternatif yang boleh diberikan pertimbangan untuk mengurangkan penjanaan sisa pepejal ialah melalui penerapan amalan lestari dalam kehidupan seharian. Menurut Nurizan, Laily, Sharifah, Norhasmah, Aini, dan Naimah (2004), penerapan amalan lestari penting bagi mencapai kesejahteraan kepada pengguna dan persekitaran. Konsep penggunaan lestari sering dikaitkan dengan Konsep 3R yang merujuk kepada mengurangkan (reduce), guna semula (reuse) dan kitar semula (recycle). Menurut Syuhaily (20l1) pula, amalan 5R + 1C, iaitu mengurangkan (reduce), guna semula (reuse), kitar semula (recycle), fikir semula (rethink), baiki semula (repair), dan kompos (composting) adalah antara contoh amalan lestari. Justeru, secara ringkasnya, guna semula dirujuk sebagai menggunakan semula barang yang telah dibeli bagi mengurangkan penghasilan sisa pepejal. Contohnya, guna semula pakaian lama sebagai alas kaki, penggunaan bekas kaca atau plastik terpakai untuk menyimpan pelbagai barang dan sebagainya (Kempen Konsumer Kebangsaan, 2008–2012). Aktiviti guna semula juga melibatkan penggunaan sesuatu objek yang hendak dibuang tetapi berpotensi


untuk digunakan dengan cara yang berbeza daripada kegunaan yang asal, seperti menjadikan botol kaca sebagai pasu bunga (Corral-Verdugo, 2003). Di Mexico, aktiviti guna semula telah dibangunkan lebih awal berbanding dengan aktiviti kitar semula. Guna semula boleh difahami sebagai satu bentuk pengurangan sumber, iaitu berusaha untuk mencegah pencemaran melalui penghasilan bahan buangan (De Young, 1991). Satu kajian yang telah dijalankan oleh Corral-Verdugo (2003) mendapati suri rumah luar bandar Mexico menggunakan barang yang hendak dibuang seperti tin, kadbod, kaca, kayu dan produk lain manakala di kawasan bandar pula mereka menggunakan botol kosong untuk mengisi bunga, bijirin atau makanan. Corral-Verdugo (2003) turut menyatakan amalan guna semula yang penting ialah guna semula pakaian, iaitu melibatkan baju yang sama boleh digunakan oleh tiga atau empat orang anak dalam sesebuah keluarga. Barang lain yang selalunya digunakan semula oleh masyarakat di Mexico ialah komponen besi kereta, basikal, perabot dan kertas (Corral-Verdugo, 2003). Berdasarkan dapatan kajian yang dijalankan dalam kalangan 384 guru di Kelantan, kebanyakan responden selalu mengamalkan guna semula beg plastik untuk mengisi bahan buangan (79.2%) dan untuk menyimpan pelbagai barang (68.2%) (Farhan, Mumtazah & Syuhaily, 2013). Hasil kajian ini turut mendapati lebih separuh daripada jumlah responden (63.0%) tidak pernah menggunakan sampul terpakai, iaitu dengan menampal alamat baharu di atas alamat yang lama. Dapatan kajian ini merumuskan bahawa amalan penggunaan semula adalah pada tahap sederhana atau diwakili oleh sebanyak 57.6 peratus responden kajian. Walaupun kebanyakan dapatan kajian mengenai kesan ciri demografi terhadap kesedaran persekitaran adalah bertentangan antara satu sama lain (Roberts, 1996), namun perbezaan ini membawa kesan yang penting kerana dapat membantu para penyelidik meramal angkubah yang paling mempengaruhi tingkah laku mesra persekitaran dalam kalangan pengguna. Angkubah seperti gender, umur, pendidikan, tempat tinggal dan pegangan politik biasanya menunjukkan perhubungan yang kuat dengan persekitaran (Zelezny, Chua & Idrich, 2000). Berdasarkan kajian lepas, golongan perempuan didapati lebih cenderung untuk mempraktikkan amalan yang mesra alam (Holbert, Kwak & Shah, 2003). Dapatan kajian ini disokong melalui kajian yang telah dilakukan oleh Farhan et al. (2013) yang menunjukkan terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan (t = -2.284, p ≤ 0.05) antara responden lelaki dengan perempuan bagi amalan guna semula (reuse). Perbezaan ini menunjukkan bahawa responden perempuan lebih kerap melakukan amalan guna semula (reuse) berdasarkan


purata skor (18.79) yang lebih tinggi berbanding dengan purata skor yang dicatatkan oleh responden lelaki (18.03). Dapatan kajian ini juga berkemungkinan besar disebabkan oleh emosi perempuan yang lebih sensitif dan prihatin terhadap kebajikan diri mahupun orang lain (Robinson & Howard-Hamilton, 2000). Metodologi Bahagian ini menggariskan metodologi penyelidikan yang digunakan. Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah tinjauan kaji selidik. Tumpuan perbincangan bahagian ini ialah instrumen penyelidikan, tatacara persampelan dan tatacara pengumpulan data. Instrumen Instrumen penyelidikan bagi kajian ini ialah borang soal selidik yang terdiri daripada dua bahagian, iaitu Bahagian 1 untuk mengukur ciri demografi responden seperti umur, jantina, etnik, tahap pendidikan tertinggi, taraf perkahwinan, bilangan individu yang tinggal bersama-sama di rumah, pekerjaan dan anggaran jumlah pendapatan isi rumah. Dalam Bahagian 2, soalan berbentuk tertutup (closed-ended) diberikan. Sebanyak 11 pernyataan yang menggunakan skala Likert yang berkaitan dengan amalan guna semula dikemukakan. Responden diminta menyatakan tahap persetujuan mereka terhadap setiap pernyataan, 1 = Tidak pernah, 2 = Kadang-kadang, 3 = Selalu. Tiga contoh pernyataan tersebut ditunjukkan seperti di bawah:

Menggunakan semula beg kertas terpakai. Menggunakan semula beg plastik terpakai. Menggunakan semula surat khabar lama.

Tatacara persampelan dan pengumpulan data Kajian ini melibatkan seramai 304 wakil isi rumah di negeri Selangor, iaitu dari daerah Gombak, Hulu Langat, Petaling dan Klang dengan menggunakan kaedah persampelan rawak mudah. Melalui kaedah ini, isi rumah yang terpilih telah dikunjungi dan diberikan borang soal selidik untuk dilengkapkan. Hasil Kajian Latar belakang responden Jadual 1 menunjukkan taburan sosiodemografi responden. Paling ramai responden didapati berada dalam lingkungan umur 18–29 tahun dan 30–41


tahun apabila masing-masing mencatatkan 33.4 peratus. Sebahagian besar responden (67.0%) terdiri daripada perempuan dan selebihnya lelaki (33.0%). Majoriti responden berbangsa Melayu (89.4%), diikuti Cina (6.0%), India (4.0%) dan lain-lain (0.7%). Dari segi tahap pendidikan tertinggi pula, dapatan menunjukkan hampir separuh daripada responden (47.7%) memiliki Ijazah Sarjana Muda dan hanya sebilangan kecil sahaja (0.3%) yang tidak mempunyai pendidikan rasmi. Sementara itu, dari segi taraf perkahwinan pula dapatan menunjukkan majoriti responden (72.7%) mempunyai status berkahwin manakala sebanyak 24.7 peratus adalah bujang. Jadual 1 turut memaparkan bahawa kebanyakan responden (46.8%) mempunyai bilangan individu yang tinggal bersama-sama kurang daripada empat orang. Dari segi anggaran jumlah pendapatan bulanan isi rumah pula, didapati hampir satu pertiga daripada responden berada dalam lingkungan pendapatan RM3,000 ke bawah dan RM3,001–RM6,000 apabila masing-masing mencatatkan peratusan sebanyak 33.9 peratus.

Jadual 1: Maklumat Latar Belakang Responden

Angkubah n (%) Umur (tahun) 18 –29 30–41 ≥ 42

101 (33.4%) 101 (33.4%) 100 (33.1%)

Jantina Lelaki Perempuan

100 (33.0%) 203 (67.0%)

Etnik Melayu Cina India Lain-lain

270 (89.4%) 18 (6.0%) 12 (4.0%) 2 (0.7%)

Tahap pendidikan tertinggi Tiada pendidikan rasmi UPSR PMR/SRP/LCE SPM/MCE STAM/STPM Sijil Diploma Ijazah Sarjana Muda Ijazah Sarjana Ijazah Doktor Falsafah (Ph.D)

1 (0.3%) 4 (1.3%)

10 (3.3%) 50 (16.6%) 8 (2.6%)

13 (4.3%) 31 (10.3%)

144 (47.7%) 38 (12.6%) 3 (1.0%)



Angkubah n (%) Taraf perkahwinan Bujang Berkahwin Duda Janda

74 (24.7%) 218 (72.7%)

3 (1.0%) 5 (1.7%)

Bilangan individu yang tinggal bersama (orang) < 4 4–5 ≥ 6

137 (46.8%) 64 (21.8%) 92 (31.4%)

Anggaran jumlah pendapatan isirumah (bulanan) ≤ RM3,000 RM 3,001 ̶ RM6,000 ≥ RM6001

96 (33.9%) 96 (33.9%) 91 (32.2%)

Amalan guna semula Bahagian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti tahap amalan guna semula dalam kalangan responden. Terdapat 11 pernyataan amalan guna semula yang telah dikemukakan dalam bahagian ini. Setiap amalan ini diwakili oleh tiga pilihan respon bagi menentukan kekerapan responden melakukan amalan-amalan tersebut. Jadual 2 menunjukkan taburan responden mengikut kekerapan mereka dalam melakukan amalan guna semula. Hasil kajian mendapati terdapat hanya dua amalan yang tidak pernah dilakukan oleh responden. Sebanyak 13.8 peratus responden menyatakan mereka tidak pernah mendermakan buku dan majalah dan hanya sebilangan kecil responden (9.9%) sahaja yang mengumpul/menjual kertas terpakai. Seterusnya, bagi kekerapan kadang-kadang, terdapat empat pernyataan yang mencatatkan peratusan tertingginya, justeru menunjukkan kebanyakan responden menyatakan mereka secara kadang-kadang mendermakan buku dan majalah (46.4%), menggunakan barang yang boleh diguna dan diisi semula (contoh: pen berdakwat/pensil mekanikal/cecair pencuci/sabun) (45.1%), menggunakan semula kotak terpakai (41.4%), dan mendermakan pakaian yang tidak mahu dipakai (40.5%). Dapatan kajian jelas menunjukkan amalan guna semula barang sememangnya telah dilakukan dan ini membantu dalam mengurangkan penghasilan bahan buangan di samping barang tersebut boleh digunakan pada tahap yang optimum.


Jadual 2: Amalan Guna Semula

Kekerapan

No. Pernyataan TP n (%)

KK n (%)

S n (%)

1. Menggunakan semula beg kertas terpakai.

19 (6.3%)

102 (33.6%)

183 (60.2%)

2. Menggunakan semula beg plastik terpakai.

13 (4.3%)

82 (27.0%)

209 (68.8%)

3. Menggunakan semula sampul surat terpakai.

25 (8.2%)

118 (38.8%)

161 (53.0%)

4. Menggunakan semula kertas terpakai.

17 (5.6%)

110 (36.2%)

177 (58.2%)

5. Menggunakan semula surat khabar lama.

19 (6.3%)

98 (32.2%)

187 (61.5%)

6. Menggunakan semula beg seminar terpakai.

14 (4.6%)

102 (33.6%)

188 (61.8%)

7. Menggunakan semula kotak terpakai.

17 (5.6%)

126 (41.4%)

161 (53.0%)

8. Mengumpul/menjual kertas terpakai.

30 (9.9%)

119 (39.1%)

155 (51.0%)

9.

Menggunakan barang yang boleh diguna dan diisi semula (contoh: pen berdakwat/pensil mekanikal/cecair pencuci/sabun).

15 (4.9%)

137 (45.1%)

152 (50.0%)

10. Mendermakan pakaian yang tidak mahu dipakai.

23 (7.6%)

123 (40.5%)

158 (52.0%)

11. Mendermakan buku dan majalah.

42 (13.8%)

141 (46.4%)

121 (39.8%)

Walau bagaimanapun, terdapat empat amalan mengguna semula yang selalu dilakukan oleh lebih daripada 60.0 peratus responden, iaitu guna semula beg plastik terpakai (68.8%), beg seminar terpakai (61.8%), surat khabar lama (61.5%) dan beg kertas terpakai (60.2%). Selain itu, penggunaan semula plastik khususnya, wajar dilakukan kerana plastik ialah bahan yang tidak terbiodegradasi dan memakan masa yang lama untuk diuraikan (Siddique, Khatib & Kaur, 2008). Justeru, situasi ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa responden tidak hanya mementingkan diri sendiri malah turut sama merasakan kesan perbuatan mereka ke atas flora dan fauna yang terdapat dalam sistem ekologi. Seterusnya, analisis tahap amalan penggunaan semula dilakukan dengan mengira (compute) kekerapan responden ketika melakukan amalan bagi kesemua 11 pernyataan dalam bahagian ini. Skor kemudian digunakan untuk


memperoleh tahap amalan guna semula dan dikategorikan kepada tiga kategori, iaitu “1 = rendah”, “2 = sederhana” dan “3 = tinggi”. Purata skor bagi amalan penggunaan semula yang diperoleh responden ialah 27.32. Skor minimum dan skor maksimum yang diperoleh responden ialah masing-masing 11 dan 33. Merujuk Jadual 3, hasil kajian menunjukkan kebanyakan responden (35.6%) mempunyai tahap amalan penggunaan semula yang sederhana, iaitu jumlah skor mereka adalah antara 26–31, manakala sebanyak 33.3 peratus responden lagi mempunyai tahap amalan penggunaan semula yang rendah dengan mencatatkan jumlah skor antara 11–25 dan sebanyak 31.0 peratus lagi mempunyai amalan guna semula yang tinggi dengan mencatatkan jumlah skor ≥ 32.

Jadual 3: Tahap Amalan Guna Semula

Tahap Peratus (%) Rendah (skor 11–25) 33.3

Sederhana ( skor 26–31) 35.6 Tinggi (skor > 32) 31.0

Jadual 4 pula menunjukkan amalan guna semula dalam kalangan responden mengikut jantina. Hasil kajian menunjukkan lebih daripada 60.0 peratus responden perempuan selalu melakukan enam daripada 11 pernyataan amalan guna semula. Situasi ini dapat dilihat apabila majoriti responden perempuan selalu menggunakan semula barang terpakai seperti beg plastik (73.4%), diikuti surat khabar lama (67.0%), beg kertas (66.0%), beg seminar (64.0%), kertas (61.6%) dan menderma pakaian yang tidak mahu dipakai (60.1%). Dapatan kajian ini secara tidak langsung memberikan gambaran bahawa responden perempuan lebih kerap melakukan amalan guna semula berbanding dengan responden lelaki. Namun begitu, amalan guna semula yang selalu dilakukan oleh kebanyakan responden lelaki dan perempuan adalah bagi pernyataan “Menggunakan semula beg plastik terpakai”, iaitu masing-masing (59.0%) dan (73.4%). Amalan ini wajar dilakukan memandangkan plastik ialah bahan yang tidak terbiodegradasi dan memakan masa yang lama untuk diuraikan (Siddique et al., 2008). Sementara itu, terdapat satu pernyataan tidak pernah yang mencatatkan peratusan tinggi berbanding dengan pernyataan yang lain, iaitu “Mendermakan buku dan majalah.” dengan catatan sebanyak 23.0 peratus bagi responden lelaki dan 9.4 peratus bagi responden perempuan. Dapatan kajian ini jelas menunjukkan bahawa amalan mendermakan buku dan majalah kurang diamalkan oleh responden yang dikaji.


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48

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134

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59

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149

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Men

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Kesimpulan Dalam kajian ini, amalan guna semula dalam kalangan isi rumah dapat dikenal pasti dan senario sebenar amalan yang dilakukan oleh responden dapat disimpulkan. Walaupun terdapat beberapa perbezaan amalan guna semula dari segi jantina, namun secara keseluruhannya dapat disimpulkan bahawa amalan guna semula dalam kalangan isi rumah masih berada pada tahap sederhana. Situasi ini boleh dilihat apabila banyak amalan yang tidak dilakukan oleh kebanyakan isi rumah. Walau bagaimanapun, amalan guna semula ini boleh diperbaiki, ditambah baik dan diperkasakan melalui usaha dan komitmen pihak kerajaan serta pertubuhan yang berkaitan dari semasa ke semasa. Akan tetapi, peranan yang dimainkan oleh individu itu sendiri perlu ditekankan kerana perubahan yang kecil, namun dilakukan oleh semua rakyat Malaysia akan menghasilkan impak yang cukup besar. Oleh sebab responden mempunyai tahap amalan yang berbeza-beza, maka amalan ini perlu ditanam dan dipertingkatkan lagi agar seiring dengan kempen alam sekitar yang giat dijalankan. Sikap dan tingkah laku perlu sejajar dengan amalan bagi memastikan konsep ini benar-benar dipraktikkan dan mencapai objektifnya. Oleh itu, amalan guna semula oleh rakyat Malaysia perlu dipraktikkan dan dijadikan gaya hidup, iaitu bermula dari aspek pembelian, penggunaan hinggalah ke peringkat pelupusan. Justeru, program ke arah meningkatkan amalan penggunaan semula perlu dibentuk dan dilaksanakan dengan lebih terancang. Hal ini dapat membentuk seluruh rakyat Malaysia khususnya, supaya mengamalkan gaya hidup lestari sebagai satu budaya. Rujukan Berita Harian (26 Januari 2014). Kemelut Lupus Sisa Pepejal. Dimuat turun pada 26 Januari 2014 dari laman web, http://www.bharian.com.my Corral-Verdugo, V. (2003). Situational and personal determinants of waste control practices in Northern Mexico: A study of reuse and recycling behaviors. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 39, 265-281. De Young, R. (1991). Recycling as Appropriate Behavior: A Review of Survey Data from Selected Recycling Education Programs in Michigan. Journal of Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 3(1), 253-266. Farhan, M.A., Mumtazah, O., & Syuhaily, O. (2013). Faktor yang mempengaruhi amalan lestari dalam kalangan guru di Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia. Tesis Master Sains Pengguna, Universiti Putra Malaysia.


Holbert, R.L., Kwak, N., & Shah, D.V. (2003). Environmental concern, patterns of television viewing, and pro-environmental behaviors: integrating models of media consumption and effects. Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 47(2), 177–197. Kementerian Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (2014). Dimuat turun pada 3 Febuari 2014 dari laman web, http://www.kpkt.gov.my Kempen Konsumer Kebangsaan 2008-2012. Dimuat turun pada 23 Febuari 2012 dari laman web, http://www.kkk.org.my Laporan Kualiti Hidup Malaysia (2011). Unit Perancang Ekonomi. Putrajaya. McKeown, R. (2002). Education for Sustainable Development. Dimuat turun pada 19 Oktober 2010 dari laman web, http;//www.esdtoolkit.org Mihalas, S., Morse, W.C., Allsopp, D.H., & McHatton, P.A. (2009). Cultivating Caring relationships between teachers and secondary students with emotional and behavioral disorders: Implications for research and practice. Remedial and Special Education, 30(108), 108-126. Nurizan, Y., Laily, P., Sharifah, A.H., Norhasmah, S., Aini, M.S., & Naimah, S. (2004). Penggunaan lestari: Pemahaman konsep asas dan pengetahuan terhadap kesejahteraan persekitaran. Malaysian Journal of Consumer and Family Economics, 7, 1–15. Roberts, J.A. (1996). Green consumers in the 1990’s: Profile and implications for advertising. Journal of Business Research, 36, 217–231. Robinson, T. L. & Howard-Hamilton, M.F. (2000). The Convergence of Race, Ethnicity and Gender: Multiple Identities of Counseling. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Siddique, R., Khatib, J., & Kaur, I. (2008). Use of recycled plastic in concrete: A review. WasteManagement, 28, 1835-1852. Sommer, R. (2000). Discipline and field of study: A search for clarification. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 20, 1–4. Syuhaily, O. (2011). Amalan Penggunaan Lestari dalam Kalangan Remaja. Dalam Mumtazah, O. dan Nurizan, Y. dalam Penggunaan Lestari: Bagaimana Tingkah Laku Remaja?. Serdang: Penerbit Universiti Putra Malaysia.


Tikka, P.M., Kuitunen, M.T., & Tynys, S.M. (2000). Effect of educational background on students’ attitude, activity levels and knowledge concerning environment. The Journal of Environmental Education, 31(3), 12 ̶ 19. Wingerter, L. (2000). General Motor Roles in Education for Sustainability. Dalam Wheeler, K.A. dan Bijur, A. P. (eds). Education for a Sustainable Future: A Paradigm of Hope for the 21st Century. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum. Zelezny, L.C., Chua, P., & Idrich, C. (2000). Elaborating on gender differences in environment. Journal of Social Issues, 56(3), 443-457.


TSUNAMI 2004 PREPAREDNESS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE PENANG

COMMUNITY

Syakura A Rahim1 Aini Mat Said1

Elistina Abu Bakar1 Norhasmah Sulaiman2

Fakhru’l-Razi Ahmadun3

1Department of Resource Management and Consumer Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, UPM

2Department of Nutrition and Dieteties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, UPM

3Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UPM

Introduction It has been 10 years since the 2004 Sumatera-Andaman earthquake which was the largest earthquake in 40 years with a moment magnitude of Mw=9.2 with seismicity travelling 1600 km along the entire Andaman fault. Sumatra-Andaman earthquake affected 12 countries across the Indian Ocean (Lay et al., 2005). The epicentre was about 100km from Aceh. The accurate number is unknown (Thomas, 2001) but an estimated number of 250 000 deaths was reported, 51 000 missing and around 1.5 million were displaced swept by the force of the tsunami wave. Property and economic damage were estimated to be worth billions of USD (Rodriguez, Wachtendorf, Kendra & Trainor, 2006). Peninsular Malaysia lies in the shadow of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Besides extreme heat, storm, flood and the consequences of heavy rain, other natural disasters are as foreign as snow falling in the tropics. Although light tremors are felt from Indonesian earthquake but there is no devastating impact as Peninsular Malaysia is protected by Sumatera in the west and Borneo in the east. The unprecedented event is a wake-up call indicating Malaysia is no longer a natural disaster threat free country. Malaysia was caught off guard facing the unforeseeable encounter with 2004 tsunami. The first tsunami wave hit Langkawi shoreline between 12.00 to 12.30 (local time) in the afternoon and between 1.00pm to 1.30pm along 200


km coastal line from Kedah, Penang to Selangor, implicating people by the beach causing 68 reported deaths, 6 declared missing, 91 hospitalized, 276 received treatment and 10,564 evacuated to safety (Aini, Fakhru'l-Razi, Ahmad Rodzi & Fuad, 2011). Penang reported the highest death toll of 54 lives which is 79 percent out of the total loss of life in Malaysia. Research centres were established to conduct studies on tsunami, earthquake and other disasters as well as to promote scientists to collaborate on future studies. Simulation software was developed to explore the devastation of tsunami by calculating the force of tsunami wave and the magnitude of impact (Koh, Teh, Liu, Ismail & Lee, 2009; Teh, Koh, Liu, Ismail & Lee, 2009). The shallow waters of the Straits of Malacca and mangroves surrounding the island and peninsular act as natural barriers reducing the force, slowing down tsunami waves (Alongi, 2008; Hashim, Kamali, Tamin & Zakaria, 2010). Research conducted by Fisheries Research Institute Malaysia found the quantity of fishes remained normal with non-threatening level of bacteria in seafood (Ean, Siow & Ali, 2005). In Malaysia, the magnitude of tsunami devastation was greater on rural coastline communities as most of them have low income and depend on the sea for their livelihood (Stobutzki & Hall, 2005) leaving psychological and socio economic impacts (Chamhuri, Mohd Zaki, Halina & Roslina, 2006; Horton et al., 2008; Krishnaswamy, Subramaniam, Indran & Low, 2012; Stobutzki & Hall, 2005) in the lives of many. Total value of property and economic damage is estimated to be around USD 55 million. The fisheries and aquaculture sector suffered greatly, affecting 7,721 fishermen and 232 fish farmers with a reported loss of 3,626 boats, vessels and aquaculture farms worth more than USD 17 million. Most of the victims were fishermen and settlements living near the water edge. According to Ibrahim et al. (2005) the average loss per home destroyed is estimated to be around USD 13,000 to USD 15,000. The ramification of the 2004 tsunami is alarming as many became homeless and lost their source of income (Asmawi & Ibrahim, 2013; Chamhuri et al., 2006; Horton et al., 2008). Minimal research has been conducted to explore the issues and challenges faced from a community’s perspective. The community’s first-hand experience with tsunami provides valuable information from which lessons can be garnered to improve the effectiveness of future disaster response. The main objective of the study is to ameliorate community preparedness by exploring the effectiveness of tsunami 2004 disaster response from the perspective of local community. The specific aim of this paper is to explore the challenges and lessons learnt during the 2004 tsunami as well as the involvement of villagers and agencies in disaster response and recovery.


Another objective, among others is to identify actions taken by locals to prepare for future tsunami events. Literature Review Disaster is an event concentrated in time and space in which society or its subdivision undergoes physical harm, social disruption with essential being impaired (Lindell, 2013). Disaster and emergency management activities are generally divided into three phases: preparedness, response and recovery. In any disaster, government leaders (district, state, federal) will be the responsible group to oversee all emergency management tasks (response, mitigation, recovery, preparedness) and initiate funding for disaster recovery (Shaw, 2014). Navigating emergency management during disaster response is complex as it requires coordinating multiple agencies with hundreds of staff hence a systematic preparedness approach is needed to cater the complexity. Emergency responders under Directive 20 will be deployed immediately to ground zero for search and rescue. However, the community as the first responder needs to know and be prepared to evacuate and survive as timing is crucial before responding agencies arrive. For an emergency response to be effective, disaster preparedness must start locally. Planning for a moderately sized disaster to kick start disaster preparedness is more realistic and achievable. Lack of funding or financial instability often results to apathy. It is important to start with limited interest and make-do with what is available before jumping into full swing disaster preparedness to engage and maintain interest within the community towards disaster preparedness. It is arduous to overcome apathy but by recognizing the community’s need, it is possible to cultivate disaster preparedness attitude. Preparedness is the first step in emergency management, being in a state of readiness to respond to disaster, crisis and emergency situation (Haddow, Bullock & Coppola, 2007). Preparedness focusses on sustaining the viability of the community by protecting lives, properties and government services. The navigation of a grave emergency management is very complex that involves inter-agency coordination with hundreds of staff. Out of this need, the preparedness cycle recognizes four major components: planning, equipment, training and exercise that is applicable to individual, household, business, government agencies and other entities (Haddow, Bullock & Coppola, 2011). The planning phase involves tweaking and understanding the vulnerability of the emergency management, communities and individuals, to determine


resources, capabilities and weaknesses at hand. Emergency management planners will be able to foresee areas exposed to hazard risks and areas that will most likely bear heavy impact and identify appropriate measures to respond. Lessons learned (final step in preparedness cycle) from disaster response depicts emergency response capabilities, resources and limits as well as the community’s susceptibility towards disaster hazard which is vital to improve future iterations. There is a gap when it comes to comparing natural disaster response, disaster recovery and impact of tsunami in the Malaysian context to the local community. In 2005, the Inter-Agency Committee for Tsunami and Earthquake Risk Management (IACETRM) endorsed Seismic and Tsunami Hazard and Risk Study in Malaysia. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia was appointed to coordinate, manage and monitor the implementation of the research with an allocation of RM4 million to initiate a study to assess seismic related activity, mapping, structural behaviour and public awareness in Malaysia. The study continued venturing further in-depth with grant allocation from MOSTI under E-Science Fund, and the establishment of more research centres (Koh, Teh, Taksiah, Lau & Fauziah, 2012). To reduce death tolls, property damages and disruptions of life, Hyogo Framework of Action was born through UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2005, emphasizing on the Five Priorities; 1) Making disaster risk reduction a priority; 2) Improving risk information and early warning; 3) Building a culture of safety and resilience; 4) Reducing risks in key sectors, and 5) Strengthening preparedness for response. The framework not only stresses on disaster risk reduction but also the importance of disaster preparedness to save lives, livelihood and sustainable social and economic development, to ensure the community can recover and re-bounce as soon as possible. Community based approach recognizes the importance of reducing local vulnerabilities and develop into resilient community. Factors taken into account when implementing Community Based Disaster Management (CBDM) include mandate of the organizations involved, the community’s socio-cultural and economic context as well as political structure. CBDM approach and guidelines complements Hyogo Framework of Action, assisting government officials, NGO’s, civil society organizations and community leaders to formulate a programme tailored for their community hence improving the overall quality and effectiveness of the concept. Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) approach is diverse due to the


various traits of a community but still bearing the same concept and underlying goal. Various on-going efforts and collaborations have been made by UNISDR, Asian Disaster Reduction Centre, Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, non-governmental organizations (NGO) and international organization supporting CBDRM to mobilize and integrate activities as well as policies into national and state jurisprudence in ministries, government bodies and departments. The main aim of CBDM is to create and develop a resilient community in a resilient environment within a resilient country by applying risk reduction measures, reducing the consequences of loss of lives, properties, injuries and identify patterns that can stall or become a hurdle to a prominent recovery. CBDM approach is based on the following principles: 1) Priority to the role the community will play, 2) Priority to the highest level of risk, 3) To differentiate the difference between risk and capabilities, 4) Multi-sectorial approach and discipline area, 5) Integrating disaster risk management in the process of local development, 6) Priority to disaster risk reduction, and 7) To take into account global issues such as climate changes, epidemics, etc. Unlike most conventional disaster management, decision making comes from the top (top-down) while CBDM applies the opposite approach of bottom-up whereby the community participates in identifying the hazard risks and solutions in their area by working hand in hand with agencies to build a resilient community. Disaster management is not a single combat issue because society and culture are deeply rooted in a community. Therefore it is important to incorporate socioeconomic activities of the people into community-based activities to create a sense of belonging, enabling them to express their needs, priorities, life hurdles and concerns (Shaw, 2012). People of the community consist of residents, schools, local associations, business entities, government agencies (National Security Council, Police Force, Fire and Rescue, Department of Public Works, etc.) and non-governmental agencies (Red Crescent, Mercy etc.). The local community has the highest stakes when it comes to disaster impact as they will be the first to be hit regardless of the size of the impact and the most vulnerable to hazard, and at the same time the first to gain from the outcome of being disaster prepared. Penang is an exceptionally urbanized island with the highest population density in Malaysia that is rapidly developing along the shoreline. Coastal reclamation is also a favourite option to build high-rise buildings. New coastal reclamation projects have been approved by the Penang government to build high-rise mix complexes (resident area, office and shopping complex) on 3 man-made islands just off the shoreline of Jalan Tokong, an area that was swept by the 2004 tsunami. In general, tsunami is a household


term but community are oblivious to the devastation of the impact and ignorant to take precaution, partly because it is a rare natural disaster. Posters and brochures were dispersed throughout the community, complemented by workshops and disaster drills conducted by government agencies (e.g: National Security Council and District Office) as well as non-governmental organization (e.g: Red Crescent) to create awareness. The most vulnerable areas based on the 2004 tsunami were fishing villages, business entities and settlements by the shore, and tourist areas along the beach. Most of the household are in the below and low income category with little to zero knowledge on tsunami response. In 2004, the first tsunami wave hit Penang shore between 1.00pm to 1.30pm killing 54 people, destroying 615 homes, 1161 boats, 79 aquaculture projects and sea farms amounting to RM50 million in Penang alone. The time interval provide more than enough time to evacuate compared to the Islanders of Simeulu Island who had only about 8 minutes before the first wave of 10 metres hit the shore. Lessons learned from previous disasters act as a bench mark for the government and other entities to avail from the experience to develop a comprehensive organizational structure and develop a disaster response and preparedness programme. Methodology Focus group discussion was the chosen method for conducting the study. This is to provide a dimension for the target participants to interact among each other, to exchange ideas, point of views and to acquire knowledge, perspectives and perceptions that can explain a certain behaviour which is considered more accessible to share in-depth exploration of the theme topic compared to a one to one interview (Wong, 2008). The location of the study consists of two districts, North West and South West of Penang that was badly affected by the recent tsunami. It was estimated to have about 6590 families residing about 100 metres to 2 kilometres away from the shoreline from Pantai Pasir Panjang, Balik Pulau to the end border of Batu Ferringhi. The highest tsunami wave to hit was about 6 metres high (Ibrahim et al., 2005). The focus group discussion was conducted among 17 agencies under the Penang District Disaster Management and Relief Committee as well as key community leaders amounting to a total of 34 participants. Agencies involved include uniformed bodies such as local police, firemen, civil defence and maritime enforcement and responding agencies which include the district and land office, health department, Red Crescent, welfare department, road works


department, education department and the broadcasting department. Key community leaders from the area were also contacted to represent the community. Representatives from each of the agencies and community were invited and were divided into two groups according to their roles which were responding agencies (25 representatives) and community (19 representatives). All the members of the team were present during the group discussion with two researchers acting as moderators for each group and the others as observers. The focus group discussion took about 90 to 120 minutes. Notes were taken and the discussion for each group was videotaped and audio recorded with the permission of the participants and later transcribed verbatim. Their responses were then analysed and a thematic analysis was done to group the responses according to the themes that emerged. The questions asked were in the form of open ended question to elicit their experience during the 2004 disaster response and lessons learned. A list of questions to steer the FGD taken from Aini et al. (2011) are listed below:

Describe your experience in responding to 2004 tsunami; Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the tsunami 2004

emergency response and suggest ways for improvement; Explain the roles and responsibilities of your agency in handling the

2004 tsunami disaster. How do you rate your agency in terms of its level of preparedness to

disaster response in general and which areas need to be enhanced? Give your opinion on the comprehension and implementation of

Directive 20 in disaster response and relief efforts; and Describe efforts undertaken by your agency in enhancing public

awareness to disaster and suggest ways to achieve it. Findings and Discussion From the raw data obtained, seven themes were extracted after analysis and interpretations were done using the codes that were assigned to identify overt and covert contents. Collaboration The 2004 tsunami was the first experience for all disaster responders and an epitome when facing an unknown disaster. Personnel from responding agencies and local authorities reported that they did not know the person in charge to contact from other agencies to collaborate for the search and rescue. Approvals and decision making took time as the approach was top-


down and decision makers had to refer to a specialist. Responsibilities of each agency were unclear with ambiguity on the roles played and the chain of command, leading to miscommunication. The lack of understanding of the nature of tsunami itself made it difficult to inform the community and to guide them to safety. Flood shelter was used as a temporary tsunami shelter. Community leaders claimed they had issues in the opening of the shelters. For example, a) the key to open the shelter was missing, b) the shelter key bearer failed to be contacted, c) had to get formal approval to open shelter. These issues could have been avoided with better communication. Communication The village headman reported during the discussion that there are warning towers along the beach equipped with hailer but the towers were empty almost all the time. Due to the topography of the island, warning sounds via a hailer or sirens can only be heard around the beach and is not within the hearing of residential areas along the coastal line. Community leaders and local head of village propose the placement of more sirens nearer to residential areas. Emergency responders expressed difficulty finding clear reception and proper frequency to communicate with other emergency responders using radio control. A common frequency was also non-existent, making it very challenging to change one frequency to another. Action plans were unclear, due to the inexperience of tsunami participants from responding agencies who admitted that they were stunned and did not know how to respond appropriately. Early warning There are many international hotels in Batu Ferringhi, full of patrons all year round. According to one of the head of hotel security, who was also one of the participants in the discussion, they received tsunami warning from the hotel’s branch in Thailand. Note that international hotels with extensive network successfully warned their patrons to vacate the beach to higher ground. Early warning and immediate action had saved the lives of tourists in the area as there were no casualties among foreign visitors. Warnings were given to them by their sister hotels in Thailand. Hotels in Batu Ferringhi aided the surrounding community in relief efforts as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.


Disaster Evacuation Centres Tsunami evacuation centre was non-existent. According to the participants, houses were either swept away or badly damaged. They were put up in schools nearby, cramped for a few weeks before they were moved to a temporary shelter. There is a difference in criterion between flood and tsunami evacuation centre due to the nature of disaster where tsunami is a forceful wave with a sudden increase in height and run-up (Suppasri et al., 2012). Buildings in high grounds or are vertically structured are ideal as evacuation centres. Disaster Evacuation Centre which is located in a tsunami safe zone should act as a final destination for safety, must be equipped with food, medical supplies and basic necessities. Every evacuation route will have its own evacuation centre spread out to cater for the community evenly. Evacuation routes Participants reported there is only one main road connecting coastline communities to main town. Emergency responders mentioned they had a difficult time reaching ground zero to bring medical supplies and extract victims to seek medical attention. An alternative exit needs to be identified to transport emergency supplies from the main town to the villages. Recovery Participants spoke of difficulty to sustain their life after the loss of their source of income. Many suffered from sleep disorder and anxiety. A family who lost all their children secluded themselves from society until today. Awareness As the back bone of a family, women as mothers and wives have strong influence and play an important role in educating their household members. Women spend more time at home, being in charge of the family when their husbands are out to work. Awareness campaign and adequate training involving women increases awareness in the household and promotes the importance to be prepared for emergencies (Kapucu, 2008). Malaysia had a fair share of natural hazards in the form of periodic monsoon causing landslide, flash flood, flood and drought eliciting extreme heat and haze but nothing prepared Malaysia for tsunami. Albeit there was information received from international agencies and organizations, it did not reach the community and no warning was issued to minimize the impact from the disaster. International hotel chains received tsunami warning from their


siblings in Thailand. Malaysian authorities failed to generate effective tsunami warnings. Prior to the 2004 Great Sumatera Andaman tsunami, there was no tsunami warning system installed in the Indian Ocean to monitor underwater earthquake movement to warn of potential tsunami threat (Aini et al., 2011; Athukorala & Resoudarmo, 2005; Horton et al., 2008). A public warning system consists of three subsystems: a detection subsystem, a management subsystem, and a public response subsystem (Mileti & Peek, 2000). The communication process begin with the reception of information, how it is interpreted and responded. A warning consists of two parts: a description of the hazard or threat about to occur and how it threatens public safety. It is the responsibility of the authority to warn the public. Timely access to accurate information is the key to a successful emergency response that could save lives. A common problem cited by many responders is radio interoperability (Manoj & Baker, 2007). A comprehensive approach to handle tsunami disaster was non-existent to guide responding agencies at the district, state and federal level. Every agency has a unique standard operation procedure and a chain of command to approve decisions made. Without approval from top management, agencies are withheld from taking any action that requires a sign-off. The absent of an appointed commander to lead and delegate the agencies’ task on a neutral platform during a disaster emergency, created further complications posing misunderstanding and friction among search and rescue personnel. In the midst of the chaotic atmosphere, communication plays an important role in keeping the situation under control. Federal government had to formulate an action plan ad-hoc to manage the disaster, formulate an action, evaluate a plan and assist to salvage and contain the situation. Malaysia National Security Council under the Prime Minister's Department is responsible for managing threats toward the country. The National Security Council Directive 20 was formed, a decree comprising of 29 titles and 19 appendixes that acts as a guideline focusing solely on the management of land disasters including the responsibility and function of numerous agencies that has been placed in the emergency management system. The primary function of Directive 20 is to formulate a comprehensive emergency management system with the aim to; a) extenuate the impact of various hazards, b) to take measures to conserve life and reduce damage to the environment at minimum level, c) to respond and provide during emergency effectively, and d) to establish a recovery system that will return the affected community to normalcy as soon as possible. Alas, on 26 December 2004 tsunami was non-existent in the decree. Tsunami disaster was met without any counter measure efforts. Later in 2005, tsunami was added into Directive 20.


Agencies must be in symphony working on a neutral platform, and establish an emergency frequency so that all responders can tune in during emergencies to form a cohesive response plan. Tabletop exercises among responding agencies provide insights on the strengths and weaknesses of the role they should play and at the same time act as a networking platform to get to know each other (Dausey, Buehler & Lurie, 2007). A regularly revised compilation of names and contact numbers of the person to be contacted during a crisis should be exercised in all the relevant agencies. A close inter-agency relationship is important during intense situations so as to respond effectively, and to be able to integrate an immediate search and rescue mission. A crucial factor to consider when designing an evacuation route is the amount of time it takes to reach the disaster evacuation centre as well as the condition of the proposed path since after the tsunami warning is given, it takes around 20-40 minutes for the first wave to reach coastline (Lammel et al., 2010). Input from the community in designing an evacuation route is of great significance to identify and verify by in-site examination, the best route as they are well versed with the surrounding (Lammel et al., 2010). Tsunami awareness among the community is a crucial factor in order for them to be prepared and to evacuate before help arrives. Participating agencies commented that giving warning through patrol cars, television, radio and public address system are deemed effective. Early warning gives time for people to respond in a timely manner and to evacuate the area (Aini et al., 2011). Welfare departments in charge of handling emergency sheltering need to identify a safe location for tsunami victims. The shelter should be equipped with basic facilities, infrastructure and well prepared for emergencies. Psychosocial support for the victims soon after the disaster in the form of counselling, funeral services, prayers and religious activities, family reunification as well as financial aids to start economic activities raises hope and provides emotional support, expedites the return to normalcy and reduces the probability of posttraumatic stress disorders (Krishnaswamy et al., 2012). Compensations and housing schemes were encompassed to aid the victims who have lost their homes. Small businesses were encouraged to diversify their source of income (Horton et al., 2008). Conclusion and Implications To the best of our knowledge, this is the first focus group discussion examining the perception of responding agencies and communities during the Sumatra Andaman 2004 tsunami to improve tsunami emergency response and prepare the community for future tsunami disaster. As an initiative from


the government, research grants have been given to aid research in preparing the community. The current study which is funded by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia is the first stage to create an emergency response plan that is viable to implement and flexible to fit the affected community. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has undertaken various measures to heighten mitigation and intensify preparedness such as the public awareness campaign by MET which centres around topics on extreme weather hazards like flood, haze and bushfire. In 2007, the module was upgraded to earthquake, tsunami and extreme weather public awareness campaign. The programme is held throughout the country but focuses more on earthquake and tsunami prone areas in North West of Peninsular Malaysia and East Sabah. Tsunami occurrence in Malaysia is so rare, the general public needs to continuously be reminded of the natural signs of tsunami, how to respond to tsunami warning, and what to do to be tsunami prepared in order to evacuate in a timely manner during critical moments. MET in collaboration with the National Security Council Malaysia aims to create awareness, as well as to spark interest that can lead to action to prepare for any disaster. The campaign is still on-going with participants from the community, media, government agencies and private sectors. To monitor seismological activity, Seismological Division of Malaysian Meteorological Department was established in 1974, and later in 2007 was upgraded and renamed as the Geophysics and Tsunami Division. Following the 2004 tsunami under the watchful management of Geophysics and Tsunami Division, the Malaysian National Tsunami Early Warning System (MNTEWS) was set up to monitor real-time earthquake activities and tsunami occurrences on a 24-hour basis throughout the year with linkages to distant-source tsunami warning centres, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC), Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning Centre (IOTWS). Using the system’s seismic sensor and tide gauge stations, the division will detect tsunamigenic earthquake occurrences and will disseminate informative bulletins (after careful analysis) to responsible agencies, authorities and entities within 15 minutes of the earthquake and other possible disaster threat through short messaging system, telefax, broadcasting system and public announcement using sirens and alarms. MET is currently operating 17 seismological stations, 10 motion stations, 6 gauge stations, 3 operational deep water buoys, 4 operational coastal cameras with 18 to be installed in phases and 13 operational sirens installed in highly populated coastal areas with 18 more to be installed in phases. Tsunami


warning will be issued through a siren along the beach carrying messages, warning the community depending on the magnitude. There are two types of messages, i.e., Beware (avoid all beach activities) and Warning (evacuation will be ordered; follow instructions from authorities). There is also a need for a neutral ground for all agencies to discuss, mingle and collaborate, to be equipped with an understanding of the roles they play and responsibilities to be carried out. Outlining roles, expectations from the outcome and studying the Penang District Disaster Management and Relief Committee help focus on the objectives as a team of responders rather than government departments. Identifying tsunami safe zones and buildings based on tsunami inundation map is critical as tsunami inundation is different from flooding. Preparing an evacuation map and implementing the 30 minutes timeline to reach tsunami safe zone using the shortest route involving the community is an advantage as they are well versed with the area, and will promote community empowerment. A list of key person handling corporate social responsibility accounts and suppliers who can be contacted during an emergency for emergency aid kits, food and medications need to be tabled and updated. Awareness among community by spreading information (tsunami warning signal, evacuation zone and route) and knowledge using association, religious places, appointed community leaders and conducting tsunami awareness campaign need to be created as well. Although using social capital (community-based skills, network, resources) as an approach to post-disaster relief and recovery is time consuming, the result is significant and satisfying. Providing and promoting small and medium businesses among the local community helps diversify income and can act as a cushion to minimize any psychological impact. Preparedness plays a critical role in disaster management from pre-disaster, during disaster to post-disaster. Disaster prevention planning, action and management, starts at the local level from the community, business entities, local authorities and agencies before a tsunami disaster strikes. Themes derived from the thematic analyses which are collaboration, communication, early warning, disaster evacuation centres, evacuation routes, recovery and awareness are the highlighted key areas critical for preparedness that need to be addressed. Long term endeavour, campaigns and investments in disaster prevention are essential (Haddow et al., 2007) to prepare communities for future disasters. Preparedness programs and disaster drills organized by National Security Council, NGOs and other agencies must involve government agencies, local


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PENGETAHUAN, SIKAP DAN AMALAN PENGGUNA TERHADAP MAKANAN LESTARI

Lidiana Lidew1

Zuroni Md. Jusoh1,2 Norhasmah Sulaiman3

Husniyah Abd. Rahim1,2 Elistina Abu Bakar1,2 Askiah Jamaluddin1,2

1Jabatan Pengurusan Sumber dan Pengajian Pengguna, Fakulti Ekologi Manusia

2Pusat Kecemerlangan Penyelidikan Penggunaan Lestari, Fakulti Ekologi Manusia

3Jabatan Pemakanan dan Dietetik, Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Pengenalan Seiring dengan arus pembangunan dunia dari segenap sudut, pasaran dan pengguna turut mengalami impak yang menyebabkan perubahan dalam corak penggunaan dan pasaran. Makanan merupakan keperluan paling utama bagi semua benda hidup bagi menjalani kehidupan seharian (Phuah, 2012). Makanan penting bagi memberi tenaga kepada manusia amnya dan menjamin kesihatan manusia dengan membekalkan keperluan nutrien yang diperlukan oleh badan (Lam & Zuroni, 2013). Oleh itu, pengguna mempunyai hak untuk memilih makanan yang selamat untuk dimakan dan baik untuk tubuh badan. Menurut Fraser (2001), terdapat tiga faktor utama dalam pemilihan makanan iaitu keselamatan makanan, perlindungan alam sekitar dan kebajikan haiwan. Kepesatan ekonomi semasa dan corak penggunaan dan perlakuan pengguna serata dunia kini menjadi punca utama kepada masalah alam sekitar (Phuah, 2012). Masalah alam sekitar bukanlah perkara baharu, malahan menjejaskan alam sekitar telah menjadi sebahagian daripada kehidupan manusia bukan sahaja pada peringkat individu tetapi juga pada peringkat negara (Khwaja, 2008). Permasalahan ini telah menjurus ke arah keprihatinan terhadap alam sekitar, iaitu kepada pemasaran lestari oleh pengeluar dan peniaga demi mencapai masa depan yang lestari (Schlegelmilch et al., 1996). Maka muncul idea makanan lestari yang menjadi salah satu inisiatif bagi mencapai masa depan lestari selaras dengan permintaan pasaran (Lin, 2006).


Namun begitu, Malaysia kini kian membangun dengan populasi yang lebih berpendidikan, prihatin terhadap alam sekitar, keselamatan makanan dan kebajikan haiwan (Mahesh, 2013). Tambahan, dengan kewujudan pelbagai penyakit merbahaya akibat pengambilan makanan yang tidak sihat maka pengguna kini, penduduk Malaysia khasnya lebih rela untuk berbelanja lebih demi mendapatkan makanan yang sihat dan menjamin kesejahteraan hidup mereka. Oleh itu, lebih banyak permintaan terhadap makanan yang dihasilkan dan dikeluarkan dengan selamat, berkualiti, berkhasiat, dan yang dihasilkan berlandaskan prinsip pembangunan lestari. Perubahan trend dalam pengambilan makanan yang lebih memenuhi keperluan dan kehendak pengguna ini sedikit banyak telah memberikan tekanan kepada pengeluar, pengilang, dan pemasar bagi mengeluarkan makanan lestari. Makanan lestari semakin mendapat perhatian masyarakat kerana ciri-cirinya yang bertepatan dengan cita rasa pengguna kini. Dalam usaha melindungi dan memperkasakan pengguna daripada terdedah kepada makanan yang tidak sihat serta memudaratkan, amat penting untuk mengetahui pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari. Pengeluar dan pemasar perlu tahu perkaitan antara pengetahuan, sikap, dan amalan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari dengan kesejahteraan hidup pengguna. Hal ini kerana pihak pengeluar dan pemasar bertanggungjawab untuk memenuhi segala permintaan dalam pasaran dengan menawarkan produk mereka.

Objektif Kajian Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan pengetahuan, sikap, dan amalan terhadap makanan lestari dalam kalangan pengguna. Tinjauan Literatur Makanan lestari boleh didefinisikan sebagai makanan yang selamat untuk dimakan, mempunyai kualiti yang baik, berkhasiat, mengambil kira kebajian haiwan dan sihat yang dihasilkan berlandaskan prinsip pembangunan lestari (Liu, 2003). Di Malaysia, industri makanan telah mengalami perubahan dari masa ke masa demi memenuhi keperluan dan kehendak masyarakat yang berbilang kaum. Hal ini mendorong ke arah proses penghasilan makanan yang luas bagi memenuhi keperluan dan kehendak kini. Selain kepelbagaian etnik yang menyumbang ke arah penghasilan makanan lestari, perbezaan demografi lain dan struktur ekonomi juga sedikit banyak mempengaruhi penghasilan makanan lestari di Malaysia (Rezai, 2011).


Pengetahuan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari Maklumat ialah perkara yang amat penting untuk membantu pengguna dalam proses membuat pilihan pembelian produk makanan lestari dan membantu membuat keputusan. Jadi, amat penting untuk memahami cara maklumat dibekalkan kepada pengguna untuk menambah pengetahuan pengguna dalam memberi informasi berkaitan sesuatu produk. Hubungan antara pengetahuan dengan sikap bergantung pada sumber maklumat yang diperoleh (Mario et al., 2009). Makanan lestari menjadi satu cara yang bermanfaat kepada pengguna dalam usaha mengecapi kesejahteraan kesihatan. Sharf et al. (2012) menyatakan bahawa faktor utama yang menyumbang kepada masalah kesihatan adalah kerana kurangnya pengetahuan tentang pemakanan. Berkemungkinan besar pengguna tidak memahami akan label nutrisi makanan yang disediakan (Phuah et al., 2011). Sikap pengguna terhadap makanan lestari Teori ekonomi menyatakan bahawa sikap individu dalam membeli dipengaruhi oleh rasa dan ciri-ciri produk (Mario et al., 2009). Kepercayaan dan sikap pengguna telah menjadi dua faktor yang boleh memberi kesan kepada penggunaan. Pengguna akan membeli makanan lestari apabila keperluan dan kehendak utama mereka terhadap kualiti, kesediaan, kemudahan, prestasi, dan kemampuan tercapai (Ottman, 1992). Pengguna juga hanya akan membeli produk lestari apabila mereka sedar yang produk lestari mampu mengurangkan isu alam sekitar yang kini kian meruncing (Mahesh, 2013). Roberts (1996) telah mengenal pasti bahawa kesedaran mengenai persekitaran dan pengguna yang menjalankan aktiviti lestari boleh membantu untuk mengurangkan isu alam sekitar dan hal ini ialah tingkah laku pengguna lestari. Soonthorsmai (2007) mendapati individu yang sedar dan prihatin mengenai isu alam sekitar dikenali sebagai pengguna lestari. Amalan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari Chris (2008) melaporkan bahawa pengguna yang sejak awalnya menjalani kehidupan yang lestari, akan menjadi lebih mesra alam dan prihatin mengenai kesihatan serta menpunyai keinginan untuk memakan makanan lestari. Pengguna Malaysia menjadi lebih tertarik kepada produk mesra alam seperti makanan organik untuk meningkatkan permintaan terhadap bekalan yang terhad (Ahmad & Juhdi, 2010). Bekalan yang terhad ini berkemungkinan berkait rapat dengan kurangnya pemahaman dalam kalangan pemasar di Malaysia terhadap sikap dan amalan pengguna terhadap


fenomena yang sentiasa berubah-ubah, dan ini menggambarkan bahawa pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan pengguna tidak difahami sebaik-baiknya (Saleki, 2012). Metodologi Kajian yang dijalankan ini melibatkan 600 orang responden berumur 20 tahun ke atas dan dipilih secara persampelan rawak mudah. Pemilihan responden adalah berdasarkan empat kawasan yang telah dikenal pasti di sekitar Lembah Klang iaitu Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya, Ampang dan Subang Jaya. Lokasi dan persampelan kajian ditunjukkan dalam Jadual 1.

Jadual 1: Lokasi Persampelan

No. Lokasi Bil. Responden

1. Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur 383 2. Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya 16 3. Ampang 30 4. Subang Jaya 171

Jumlah 600 Bagi tujuan perbincangan, hanya pengguna yang berpendapatan lebih RM2,000 dan ke atas sahaja dibuat perbandingan antara pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari. Responden terdiri daripada pelbagai jantina, etnik dan tahap pendidikan. Borang soal selidik digunakan sebagai instrumen kajian untuk pengumpulan data. Terdapat lima bahagian dalam borang soal selidik iaitu Bahagian 1 tentang maklumat demografi iaitu latar belakang responden. Bahagian 2 berkaitan pengetahuan berhubung makanan lestari. Terdapat 15 pernyataan dengan pilihan jawapan “Ya” atau “Tidak”. Bahagian 3 dan Bahagian 4 pula berkaitan sikap (10 pernyataan) dan amalan (sembilan pernyataan) makanan lestari. Skala Likert dengan pilihan jawapan “Sangat Tidak Setuju”, “Tidak Setuju”, “Neutral”, “Setuju”, dan “Sangat Setuju” digunakan untuk mengukur sikap manakala aspek amalan pula diukur dengan pilihan jawapan “Tidak Pernah”, “Jarang-jarang”, “Kadang-kadang”, “Selalu”, dan “Sangat Selalu”. Maklumat dikumpul dengan cara mengedarkan borang soal selidik dan diisi sendiri oleh responden. Analisis deskriptif melalui program Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) digunakan untuk penganalisisan data.


Analisis data Data yang telah terkumpul telah dianalisis dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif. Statistik yang berbentuk purata, median, dan sisihan piawai digunakan untuk menentukan maklumat yang diperlukan daripada sampel kajian menerusi analisis deskriptif pengetahuan, sikap dan amalan pengguna terhadap makanan lestari. Hasil Kajian dan Perbincangan Latar belakang responden Kajian ini melibatkan 600 responden dan taburan responden mengikut kawasan adalah di Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur (63.8%), Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya (2.6%), Ampang (5%), dan Subang Jaya (28.5%). Jumlah ini diperoleh daripada 2, 491, 692 jumlah populasi penduduk di kawasan tersebut (Jabatan Perangkaan Malaysia 2010). Seperti yang dipaparkan dalam Jadual 2, profil responden yang mengambil makanan lestari terdiri daripada 39.7 peratus lelaki dan 60.3 peratus perempuan. Purata umur responden ialah 34 tahun dan minimum umur ialah 20 tahun serta maksimum umur adalah 72 tahun. Bagi kumpulan etnik pula, kumpulan etnik terbesar ialah etnik Melayu/Bumiputra iaitu sebanyak 63.7 peratus responden berbanding dengan Cina (27.7%) dan India (8.7%). Hal ini kerana kawasan Lembah Klang ialah kawasan yang mempunyai lebih ramai penduduk Melayu berbanding dengan etnik lain. Bagi tahap pendidikan pula, sebanyak 29.5 peratus responden mempunyai Ijazah Sarjana Muda atau majoriti responden dalam kajian ini. Sebanyak 26.0 peratus daripada jumlah responden mempunyai pendidikan tahap Sijil dan Diploma, 20.7 peratus berpendidikan tahap sekolah menengah tinggi, 14.5 peratus berpendidikan tahap sekolah menengah rendah, 7.0 peratus berpendidikan tahap sarjana atau PhD, 2.2 peratus berpendidikan tahap sekolah rendah, dan lain-lain 0.2 peratus Jelasnya, tidak terdapat seorang pun daripada responden yang tidak bersekolah. Pendapatan tertinggi responden kajian adalah dalam lingkungan RM3,000–RM4,000 iaitu mencatatkan peratusan sebanyak 40.5 peratus diikuti responden berpendapatan RM2,000 ̶ RM2,999 (30.2%), RM4,001–RM9,000 (18.2%) dan RM9,001-RM20,000 (4.2%). Purata min pendapatan responden ialah RM3,846. Jumlah pendapatan ini berkait rapat dengan status pekerjaan responden kajian yang majoritinya terdiri daripada kakitangan swasta (45.2%) dan diikuti oleh kakitangan kerajaan (24.8%). Dari sudut kategori


pekerjaan, kebanyakannya adalah dalam bidang pengurusan dan profesional (24.8%).

Jadual 2: Latar Belakang Responden

Angkubah n % Jantina Lelaki 238 39.7 Perempuan 362 60.3 Umur (tahun) 20 ̶ 30 311 51.8 31 ̶ 40 150 25.0 41 ̶ 50 81 13.5 51 ̶ 60 48 8.0 61 ̶ 72 10 1.7 Kedudukan responden dalam keluarga Ketua isi rumah 170 28.3 Pasangan 193 32.2 Ahli isi rumah 237 39.5 Etnik

Melayu/Bumiputera 382 63.7 Cina 166 27.7 India 52 8.7 Bil. isi rumah

1 ̶ 4 301 50.2 5 ̶ 7 253 42.2 8 ̶ 12 46 7.7 Tahap Pendidikan

Sekolah Rendah 13 2.2 Sekolah Menengah Rendah 87 14.5 Sekolah Menengah Tinggi 124 20.7 Pendidikan Sijil dan Diploma 156 26.0 Ijazah Sarjana Muda 177 29.5 Sarjana atau Ph.D 42 7.0 Lain-lain 1 0.2

Status Perkahwinan Responden Berkahwin 362 60.3 Bujang 215 35.8 Lain-lain 23 3.8



Angkubah n % Status Pekerjaan Kakitangan kerajaan 149 24.8 Kakitangan swasta 271 45.2 Ahli perniagaan/bekerja sendiri 86 16.5 Suri rumah/tidak bekerja 65 10.8 Pesara 16 2.7 Kategori Pekerjaan Pengurusan dan professional 149 24.8 Teknikal dan perkhidmatan 139 23.2 Staf sokongan 125 20.8 Pekerja am 70 11.7 Lain-lain 43 7.2 Skip 74 12.3 Pendapatan bulanan (RM) 2,000 ̶ 2,999 3,000 – 4,000

181 285

30.2 47.5

4,001–9,000 109 18.2 9,001 ̶ 20,000 25 4.2

Tahap pengetahuan terhadap makanan lestari Jadual 3 menunjukkan nilai skor keseluruhan bagi setiap pernyataan. Tahap pengetahuan terhadap makanan lestari diukur dengan menggunakan soalan tertutup, iaitu responden hanya diberi pilihan jawapan “Ya” atau “Tidak”.

Jadual 3: Pengetahuan Terhadap Ciri-ciri Makanan Lestari

No. Pernyataan Ya

n (%) Tidak n (%)

1. Tiada penggunaan racun rumpai. 481 (80.2) 119 (19.8)

2. Bebas GMO. 389 (64.8) 211 (35.2)

3. Tumbesaran menggunakan baja kimia. 198 (33.0) 402 (67.0)

4. Makanan lestari adalah baik untuk kesihatan. 529 (88.2) 71 (11.8)

5. Makanan lestari adalah lebih mesra alam. 529 (88.2) 71 (11.8)



No. Pernyataan Ya

n (%) Tidak n (%)

6. Tiada penggunaan racun serangga. 490 (81.7) 110 (18.3)

7. Pertumbuhan secara semulajadi. 484 (80.7) 116 (19.3)

8. Tiada kandungan vitamin/mineral. 496 (82.7) 104 (17.3)

9. Makanan organik juga dikenali sebagai makanan lestari. 526 (87.7) 74

(12.3)

10. Makanan lestari dihasilkan di bawah standard alam sekitar, teknologi pengeluaran, dan standard yang sihat.

516 (86.0) 84 (14.0)

11. Makanan lestari melibatkan pengubahsuaian genetik. 400 (66.7) 200

(33.3)

12. Kita boleh menilai makanan lestari atau tidak dengan ciri-ciri luaran makanan tersebut. 388 (64.7) 212

(35.3)

13. Makanan lestari mempunyai kandungan nutrien yang lebih tinggi daripada makanan konvensional.

510 (85.0) 90 (15.0)

14. Makanan lestari mementingkan kebajikan haiwan. 396 (66.0) 204

(34.0)

15. Makanan lestari terdiri daripada makanan berwarna hijau. 404 (67.3) 196

(32.7) Hasil kajian mendapati majoriti responden mempunyai pengetahuan yang baik terhadap semua pernyataan, kecuali bagi beberapa pernyataan. Dua daripada 15 pernyataan yang disenaraikan pernyataan iaitu “Makanan lestari adalah baik untuk kesihatan.” dan “Makanan lestari adalah lebih mesra alam.” mencatatkan nilai pernyataan tertinggi . Sebanyak 529 (88.2%) orang responden menjawab betul bagi pernyataan ini. Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa pengguna tahu bahawa makanan lestari memberikan kesihatan yang baik kepada pengguna dan mesra alam. Jadual 4 menunjukkan skor keseluruhan bagi tahap pengetahuan. Tahap tinggi, sederhana dan rendah diperoleh dengan mendapatkan jumlah markah keseluruhan bagi jawapan kepada soalan berkenaan pengetahuan yang ditanya kepada responden kajian. Terdapat 15 soalan yang ditanya dan diberi kod 1 = ya dan 2 = tidak. Hal ini bermakna jumlah markah ialah 30 dan dibahagi kepada tiga bahagian. Oleh yang demikian, nilai yang diberi untuk tahap rendah ialah 15–20, tahap sederhana 21–25, dan tahap tinggi ialah 26–30. Hasil analisis yang ditujukkan dalam Rajah 1 menggambarkan bahawa


sebahagian besar responden mendapat skor rendah (80.2%) dan diikuti oleh markah sederhana (15.7%).

Jadual 4: Skor Tahap Pengetahuan terhadap Makanan Lestari

n % Rendah (15-20) 481 80.2 Sederhana (21-25) 94 15.7 Tinggi (26-30) 25 4.2 Min = 18.77 S.d =3.17 Minimum = 15.00 Maksimum = 30.00

Rajah 1: Tahap Pengetahuan terhadap Makanan Lestari

Tahap sikap terhadap makanan lestari Jadual 5 menunjukkan nilai purata yang diperoleh daripada setiap pernyataan yang diajukan. Pernyataan “Saya percaya makanan lestari mempunyai kandungan nutrien yang tinggi.” (nilai min= 3.86) merupakan pernyataan tertinggi yang dicatatkan daripada 10 pernyataan yang disenaraikan. Sebanyak 2.0 peratus responden sangat tidak setuju dan sebanyak 5.5 peratus responden tidak setuju dengan pernyataan ini. Responden yang menyatakan makanan lestari mempunyai kandungan nutrien yang tinggi, menunjukkan sikap menitikberatkan kesihatan dalam pemilihan makanan yang tinggi. Begitu juga, skor min sebanyak 2.44 dicatatkan bagi pernyataan “Saya rasa makanan lestari mahal.” menunjukkan responden tidak sanggup membayar lebih untuk mendapatkan makanan lestari.

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Rendah Sederhana Tinggi

80.2%

15.7%

4.2%


Jadu

al 5

: Sik

ap T

erha

dap

Mak

anan

Les

tari

No.

Pe

rnya

taan

Sang

at

tidak

se

tuju

Tid

ak

setu

ju

Neu

tral

Se

tuju

Sa

ngat

se

tuju

M

in

n (%

) n

(%)

n (%

) n

(%)

n (%

)

1.

Peng

guna

an m

akan

an le

star

i tid

ak

mem

bant

u m

elin

dung

i ala

m se

kita

r. 22

2 (3

7.0)

13

8 (2

3.0)

14

8 (2

4.7)

64

(10.

7)

28 (4

.7)

3.77

2.

Saya

tida

k be

rmin

at d

enga

n m

akan

an le

star

i. 16

1 (2

6.8)

14

1 (2

3.5)

20

3 (3

3.8)

79

(13.

2)

169(

26.7

) 3.

59

3.

Saya

yak

in m

akan

an le

star

i leb

ih

berk

ualit

i. 17

(2.8

) 36

(6.0

) 16

5 (2

7.5)

21

5(35

.8)

167(

27.8

) 3.

80

4.

Saya

per

caya

mak

anan

lest

ari

mem

puny

ai k

andu

ngan

nut

rien

yang

ting

gi.

12 (2

.0)

33 (5

.5)

152

(25.

3)

232(

38.7

) 17

1(28

.5)

3.86

5.

Saya

suka

r men

gena

l pas

ti m

akan

an

lest

ari.

32 (5

.3)

76 (1

2.7)

24

1 (4

0.2)

17

5(29

.2)

76 (1

2.7)

2.

69

6.

Saya

ber

sedi

a m

embe

li m

akan

an

lest

ari.

12 (2

.0)

50 (8

.3)

235(

39.1

7)

201(

33.5

) 10

2(17

.0)

3.55

7.

Saya

tida

k ki

sah

mem

bela

njak

an

pend

apat

an sa

ya u

ntuk

mem

beli

mak

anan

lest

ari.

20 (3

.3)

64 (1

0.7)

24

2 (4

0.3)

19

3(32

.2)

81(1

3.5)

3.

42

8.

Saya

per

caya

terh

adap

kes

elam

atan

m

akan

an le

star

i. 9

(1.5

) 52

(8.7

) 18

9 (3

1.5)

22

9(38

.2)

121(

20.2

) 3.

67

9.

Saya

rasa

mak

anan

lest

ari m

ahal

. 28

(4.7

) 38

(6.3

) 22

2 (3

7.0)

19

4(32

.3)

118(

19.7

) 2.

44

10.

Saya

yak

in h

arga

mak

anan

lest

ari

adal

ah b

erpa

tuta

n w

alau

pun

mah

al.

28 (4

.7)

57 (9

.5)

269

(44.

8)

191(

31.8

) 55

(9.2

) 3.

31


Walaupun kajian ini menunjukkan banyak pengguna bersikap positif terhadap makanan lestari, namun disebabkan kriteria yang tidak mampu dipenuhi seperti harga yang mahal, telah mengekang mereka untuk bersikap lebih positif terhadap makanan lestari. Jadual 6 menunjukkan skor keseluruhan bagi tahap sikap. Tahap tinggi, sederhana dan rendah untuk sikap diperoleh dengan mendapat jumlah markah keseluruhan bagi jawapan kepada soalan berkenaan pengetahuan yang ditanya kepada responden kajian. Terdapat 10 soalan yang ditanya dan diberi kod 1 = sangat tidak setuju, 2 = tidak setuju, 3 = neutral, 4 = setuju, dan 5 = sangat setuju. Hal ini bermakna jumlah markah ialah 50 dan dibahagi kepada tiga bahagian. Oleh yang demikian, nilai yang diberi untuk tahap rendah ialah 15 ̶ 25, tahap sederhana 26–37, dan tahap tinggi ialah 38–50. Secara keseluruhannya, majoriti atau sebanyak 417 (69.5%) orang responden bersikap sederhana terhadap makanan lestari dan hanya sebanyak 28 (4.7%) orang responden yang menunjukkan sikap negatif.

Jadual 6: Tahap Sikap terhadap Makanan Lestari

n % Rendah (15-25) 28 4.7 Sederhana (26-37) 417 69.5 Tinggi (38-50) 155 25.8 Min = 34.1 s.d = 5.47 Minimum = 15.00 Maksimum = 50.00

Hal ini menunjukkan bahawa sikap pengguna terhadap makanan lestari boleh dikatakan amat baik kerana kedudukan kawasan kajian yang strategik dan mudah untuk mendapatkan makanan lestari di pasar raya yang berdekatan. Terdapat banyak pasar raya di sekitar kawasan kajian yang menawarkan makanan lestari dan ini sekali gus mendedahkan pengguna dengan makanan lestari. Pendapatan juga didapati memainkan peranan kerana dapatan kajian membuktikan bahawa pengguna mempunyai kuasa membeli dan mendapatkan makanan lestari. Tahap amalan terhadap makanan lestari Jadual 7 menunjukkan sembilan keputusan bagi setiap pernyataan yang berkaitan dengan amalan terhadap makanan lestari. Berdasarkan Jadual 8, kajian ini mendapati bahawa nilai min skor keseluruhan bagi amalan penggunaan lestari ialah 28.02 manakala sisihan piawai ialah 5.5. Nilai maksimum yang diperoleh dalam kajian ini ialah 45 manakala nilai minimum ialah 10.


Jadu

al 7

: Am

alan

terh

adap

Mak

anan

Les

tari

No.

Pe

rnya

taan

T

idak

pe

rnah

Ja

rang

-ja

rang

K

adan

g-ka

dang

Se

lalu

Sa

ngat

se

lalu

M

in

n (%

) n

(%)

n (%

) n

(%)

n (%

) 1.

Sa

ya m

enge

lak

darip

ada

mem

beli

mak

anan

lest

ari.

95 (1

5.8)

14

9 (2

4.8)

27

1(45

.2)

72 (1

2.0)

13

(2.2

) 3.

40

2.

Saya

mem

beli

mak

anan

lest

ari.

46 (7

.7)

75 (1

2.5)

30

3(50

.5)

137(

22.8

) 39

(6.5

) 3.

08

3.

Saya

men

gam

bil m

akan

an le

star

i. 44

(7.3

) 74

(12.

3)

279(

46.5

) 16

4(27

.3)

39 (6

.5)

3.13

4.

Sa

ya ti

dak

bers

edia

mem

baya

r leb

ih

untu

k m

akan

an le

star

i. 78

(13.

0)

122

(20.

3)

267(

44.5

) 10

9(18

.2)

24 (4

.0)

3.20

5.

Saya

men

cada

ngka

n m

akan

an le

star

i ke

pada

ora

ng la

in.

54 (9

.0)

83 (1

3.8)

23

3(38

.8)

174(

29.0

) 56

(9.3

) 3.

16

6.

Saya

men

cari

mak

lum

at m

enge

nai

mak

anan

lest

ari.

71 (1

1.8)

94

(15.

7)

225(

37.5

) 15

1(25

.2)

59 (9

.8)

3.06

7.

Saya

mem

perti

mba

ngka

n un

tuk

mem

beli

mak

anan

lest

ari w

alau

pun

mah

al.

35 (5

.8)

98 (6

.3)

271(

45.2

) 15

4(25

.7)

42 (7

.0)

3.12

8.

Saya

mem

baca

labe

l seb

elum

m

embe

li m

akan

an le

star

i. 30

(5.0

) 80

(13.

3)

188(

31.3

) 20

7(34

.5)

95 (1

5.8)

3.

43

9.

Saya

men

yerta

i akt

iviti

ber

kaita

n m

akan

an le

star

i (co

ntoh

: Pro

mos

i m

akan

an le

star

i).

171

(28.

5)

128

(21.

3)

192(

32.0

) 83

(13.

8)

26 (4

.3)

2.44


Walaupun nilai min yang diperoleh berada tahap amalan yang baik, namun masih terdapat responden yang tidak mempraktikkan amalan baik dalam aktiviti harian mereka seperti yang tercatat dalam Jadual 8, iaitu hanya sebanyak 83 (13.8%) orang responden yang mempunyai amalan yang baik manakala majoritinya adalah sederhana 429 (71.5%) responden. Antara sembilan pernyataan yang ditunjukkan dalam Jadual 7 di atas, pernyataan “Saya membaca label sebelum membeli makanan lestari.” (nilai min= 3.43) memperoleh nilai min tertinggi, justeru ini menunjukkan label makanan memainkan peranan penting dan menjadi rujukan kepada pengguna sebelum membeli sesuatu makanan. Malangnya, menerusi Jadual 7 juga didapati satu pernyataan, iaitu “Saya menyertai aktiviti berkaitan makanan lestari (contoh: Promosi makanan lestari).” mencatatkan nilai min yang rendah, iaitu 2.44. Hal ini menggambarkan bahawa responden tidak memberi komitmen mutlak dalam melibatkan diri dengan sebarang aktiviti yang berkaitan dengan makanan lestari.

Jadual 8: Tahap Amalan Terhadap Makanan Lestari

n %

Rendah (10-22) 88 14.7 Sederhana (23-33) 429 71.5 Baik (34-45)

83 13.8

Min = 28.02 s.d = 5.5 Minimum = 10.00 Maksimum = 45.00

Apabila membandingkan amalan secara keseluruhan, kajian ini mendapati bahawa sebanyak 14.7 peratus responden mengamalkan amalan makanan lestari yang tidak baik dan hanya sebanyak 813.8 peratus responden yang mempunyai amalan terhadap makanan lestari yang baik. Berdasarkan Jadual 8 juga, didapati majoriti responden mengamalkan secara sederhana terhadap makanan lestari, iaitu sebanyak 71.5 peratus responden.Tahap baik, sederhana dan rendah untuk amalan pula diperoleh dengan mendapat markah jumlah keseluruhan bagi jawapan kepada soalan berkenaan pengetahuan yang ditanya kepada responden kajian. Terdapat sembilan soalan yang ditanya dan diberi kod 1 = tidak pernah, 2 = jarang-jarang, 3 = kadang-kadang, 4 = selalu, dan 5 = sangat selalu. Hal ini bermakna jumlah markah ialah 45 dan dibahagi kepada tiga bahagian. Oleh yang demikian, nilai yang diberi untuk tahap rendah ialah 10 ̶ 22, tahap sederhana 23–33, dan tahap tinggi ialah 34–45.


Kesimpulan dan Cadangan Berdasarkan dapatan kajian ini, jelas menunjukkan bahawa tahap pengetahuan dan sikap sederhana pengguna terhadap makanan lestari di Malaysia berpunca daripada kurangnya pendedahan terhadap makanan lestari berbanding dengan luar negara. Oleh yang demikian, setiap pihak iaitu pengguna, pengeluar atau peniaga, dan kerajaan harus memainkan peranan dan merangka aktiviti bagi meningkatkan kesedaran pengguna terhadap isu alam sekitar yang tercemar, keselamatan makanan, dan kebajikan haiwan. Sekiranya amalan pemakanan lestari tidak diamalkan, hal ini akan memberi kesan negatif bukan sahaja terhadap alam sekitar bahkan juga kepada individu dan keluarga, terutamanya terhadap kesihatan mereka. Kajian seterusnya dicadangkan agar dijalankan dengan skala populasi yang lebih besar, iaitu merangkumi seluruh negeri di Malaysia. Rujukan Ahmad, M.& Juhdi, N. (2010). Organic food: A study on demographic characteristics and factors influencing purchase intentions among consumers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. International Journal of Business and Management, 5(2), 105-118. Fraser, D. (2001). The new perception of animal agriculture: Legless cows, featherless chickens, and a need for a genuine analysis. Journal of Animal Science, 79(3),634-641. Jones, C. (2008). Health Concerns Driving Shift to Green Food Consumption. Dimuat turun dari laman web http://www.foodnavigatorusa.com/Financial-Industry/Health-concerns-driving-shift-to-green-foodconsumption pada 1 Jun 2014. Khwaja, Z. R. (2008). Consumer Voice. Consumer Rights Council, SINDH. 06. Dimuat turun dari laman web www.crc.org.pk pada 3 September 2014. Lam, S.L. & Zuroni, M.J. (2013). Factors influencing the practices of green food consumption among Generation Y of Chinese consumers. Prosiding Seminar Kebangsaan MACFEA ke-17 Tahun 2013, 87-112. Lin, H. (2006). Key Values Influence Consumer Behaviour Towards Green Food in China-A Consumer Survey on Green Food in Fuzhou. Master of Art in International Retail Management. CHN-School of Graduate Studies.


Liu, L.J. (2003). Enhacing Sustainable Development Through Developing Green Food: China’s Option. Dimuat turun dari laman web http://www.unctad.org/trade_env/test1/meetings/bangkok4/chinaPPT.pdf pada 15 Mei 2014. Mahesh, N. (2013). Consumer’s perceived value, attitude and purchase intention of green products. Management Insight, 9(1), 36-43. Mario, F.T., Sara B.F., & Alan S.L. (2009). Information effects on consumer attitudes toward three food technologies: Organic production, biotechnology and radiation. Food Quality and Preference, 20, 586-596. Ottman, J. (1992). Sometimes consumers will pay more to go green. Marketing News, 16. Phuah, K.T., Golnaz, R., Zainalabidin, M. & Mad, N.S. (2011). Consumers’ awareness and consumption intention towards green foods. International Conference on Management (ICM 2011) Proceeding, 917-926. Phuah, K.T., Golnaz, R., Zainalabidin, M. & Mad, N.S. (2012). Factors influencing public intention towards purchasing green food in Malaysia. OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development, 4(2), 52-59. Rezai, G., Mohamed, Z., Shamsudin, M.N. & Phuah, K.T. (2011). Demographic and attitudinal variables associated with consumers’ intention to purchase green produced foods in Malaysia. International Journal of Innovation Management and Technology, 2(5), 401-406. Roberts, J.A. (1996). Green consumers in the 1990s: Profile and implications for advertising. Journal of Business Research, 36(2), 217-231. Saleki, S. Z., Seyedsaleki, S.M., & Rahimi, M.R. (2012). Organic food purchasing behavior in Iran. Organic Food Purchasing Behavior in Iran, 3(13), 278-285. Schlegelmilch, B.B., Bohlen, G.M. & Diamantopoulos, A. (1996). The link between green purchasing decisions and measures of environmental consciousness. European Journal of Marketing, 30(5), 35-55. Sharf, M., Selaa, R., Zentner, G., Shooba, H., Shai, I., & Zamir, C.S. (2012). Figuring out food labels: Young adults’ understanding of nutritional information presented on food labels is inadequate. Appetite, 58, 531-534.


Soonthonsmai, V. (2007). Environmental and green marketing as global competitive edge: Concept, synthesis, and implication. EABR (business) and ETLC (teaching) Conference Proceeding, Venice, Italy.


PERLINDUNGAN PENGGUNA DI BAWAH AKTA KAWALAN BEKALAN 1961

(PINDAAN 2006)

Afida Mastura Muhammad Arif Pusat Kecemerlangan Kajian Penggunaan Lestari

Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Pengenalan Kebelakangan ini banyak isu yang timbul tentang bekalan makanan yang tidak mencukupi untuk pengguna. Para pengguna pernah berhadapan dengan isu kekurangan gula, tepung, beras, ayam dan minyak masak yang menjadi keperluan asas pengguna. Justeru, artikel ini ingin mengupas lebih lanjut mengenai undang-undang yang mengawal bekalan makanan dan barang-barang untuk pengguna. Undang-undang yang berkaitan ialah Akta Kawalan Bekalan 1961 (Pindaan 2006) Akta 122 (‘Akta 122’) dan Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan 1974. Undang-undang ini bertujuan untuk memberi kuasa kepada kerajaan untuk mengawal dan mencatu bekalan barang-barang apabila keadaan memerlukan. Terdapat pelbagai faktor yang mempengaruhi penawaran bekalan makanan dan barang-barang pengguna, seperti kenaikan harga bahan mentah dunia, pergolakan politik dan bencana alam. Akta ini memastikan wujudnya keseimbangan dalam pasaran, iaitu barang-barang kawalan ini mudah didapati dan dijual pada harga yang berpatutan dalam setiap keadaan. Justeru, menjadi satu kesalahan di bawah Akta 122 ini jika barang-barang kawalan disorok, dihentikan pengeluaran tanpa sebab yang munasabah, enggan dijual atau dikenakan syarat yang tidak berpatutan. Akta ini dikuatkuasakan oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan (KPDNKK). Pelaksanaan Akta 122 ini juga dilihat sebagai satu cara untuk menyokong salah satu hak pengguna, iaitu untuk mendapat keperluan asas. Barang-barang kawalan di bawah akta Akta 122 memperuntukkan kuasa menetapkan barang-barang kawalan, iaitu makanan dan keperluan asas untuk keperluan pengguna bagi tujuan pemantauan dan pengawalan di pasaran. Apabila sesuatu barang diisytiharkan sebagai barang kawalan atau catuan, kerajaan akan mengawal pengeluaran, pengedaran, penjualan dan pensetoran barang tersebut. Hal ini bertujuan untuk mengelakkan berlakunya aktiviti memanipulasi bekalan


barang-barang oleh golongan yang tidak bertanggungjawab. Walau bagaimanapun, tidak semua barang keperluan disenaraikan sebagai barang kawalan. Akta 122 dan Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan 1974 telah menetapkan tiga jenis barang kawalan, iaitu barang kawalan sepanjang masa, barang kawalan berjadual dan barang kawalan musim perayaan. Barang-barang kawalan sepanjang masa Tujuan barang-barang ini dikawal sepanjang masa adalah untuk memastikan barang-barang ini mudah didapati dan untuk mencegah kegiatan menyorok barang-barang. Melalui kegiatan ini, para peniaga yang tidak beretika mampu mengaut keuntungan yang berlipat ganda kerana menyebabkan harga barang di pasaran melambung naik ekoran permintaan yang tinggi. Barang-barang kawalan ini juga bermaksud untuk menstabilkan harga barang-barang perlu. Senarai barang-barang tersebut adalah seperti yang berikut:

1. Gula 2. Susu termasuk susu pekat, susu tepung atau susu kering dan susu

cair 3. Garam 4. Tepung gandum 5. Minyak masak 6. Baja 7. Racun serangga 8. Cuka getah atau apa-apa cuka lain yang digunakan untuk

membekukan getah 9. Minyak tanah 10. Ikan yang disedia atau diawet di dalam bekas kedap udara 11. Beras dari semua jenis (Sabah sahaja) 12. Padi (Sabah sahaja) 13. Petrol, spirit motor dan gasolin motor dari semua gred 14. Bahan api diesel 15. Gas petroleum cecair (LPG) 16. Semua jenis roti 17. Ayam (sama ada segar, disejukkan atau dibekukan) 18. Minyak bahan api 19. Kayu getah bagi negeri-negeri Kedah, Perlis, Pulau Pinang dan

Perak 20. Simen dan klinker 21. Bar bulat keluli lembut 22. Topeng muka (pembedahan/perubatan)


Pengedaran barang-barang tersenarai di atas dikawal sepanjang masa kerana melibatkan keperluan asas pengguna. Pada tahun 2009 contohnya, topeng muka menjadi barang-barang kawalan serta-merta berikutan wabak selesema babi (H1N1) dan permintaan yang tinggi terhadap topeng ini untuk menutup mulut dan hidung. Barang-barang kawalan berjadual Barang-barang kawalan berjadual pula merujuk kepada barang-barang keperluan yang lebih kritikal, iaitu para pengilang dan pengedar dikehendaki mendapatkan lesen untuk menjual barang-barang tersebut. Langkah ini bertujuan untuk memastikan bahawa stok simpanan dan pengedaran barang-barang kawalan dapat diawasi oleh kerajaan. Terdapat 11 barang kawalan berjadual yang disenaraikan oleh Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan, yang bekalannya dikenal pasti menimbulkan masalah. Barang-barang tersebut adalah seperti yang berikut:

1. Gula 2. Tepung gandum 3. Minyak masak 4. Baja kimia 5. Minyak tanah 6. Petrol, spirit motor dari semua gred 7. Bahan api disel 8. Bar bulat keluli lembut 9. Simen 10. Gas petroleum cecair 11. Roti 12. Ayam

Barang-barang kawalan musim perayaan Pada musim perayaan, pengguna berasa risau jika bekalan barang keperluan tidak mencukupi. Bagi mengelakkan perkara ini berlaku, sebanyak 25 jenis barang telah dikenal pasti sebagai barang-barang kawalan musim perayaan. Para pegawai penguatkuasa KPDNKK menjalankan pemeriksaan di semua premis perniagaan, termasuk di kedai runcit menjelang musim perayaan untuk memastikan bekalan barang-barang keperluan pengguna ini sentiasa mencukupi. Barang-barang tersebut adalah seperti yang berikut:

1. Semua jenis mentega 2. Semua jenis keju 3. Semua jenis majerin


4. Semua jenis minuman kotak dan botol yang halal 5. Semua jenis ragi dan esen membuat kuih-muih dan gula-gula 6. Jeli dan agar-agar 7. Daging dan jeroan mentah atau jeruk 8. Ayam, itik dan burung-burung lain 9. Telur belum berkupas kulit dan telur jeruk 10. Buah-buahan yang diimport – mentah segar atau dijeruk 11. Bawang besar dan bawang merah 12. Bawang putih 13. Cili kering 14. Lada hitam dan semua jenis rempah 15. Kelapa, sebiji atau yang diparut 16. Semua jenis kacang 17. Semua jenis kacang tanah 18. Cendawan dan kulat 19. Minyak sapi 20. Asam jawa 21. Makanan dari laut dikeringkan atau dijeruk 22. Tepung beras 23. Tepung beras pulut 24. Tepung jagung 25. Ubi kentang

Akta 122 bertindak memastikan bekalan barang kawalan seperti yang disenaraikan di atas mencukupi untuk pengguna pada sepanjang musim perayaan. Di samping bekalan yang mencukupi, KPDNKK juga memantau harga barang kawalan ini di kawasan pasar yang menjadi tumpuan pengguna di seluruh negara melalui Skim Kawalan Harga Musim Perayaan (SKHMP). SKHMP telah dilaksanakan sejak tahun 2000 di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan 2011 (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Akta Kawalan Harga 1946). Melalui skim ini, harga maksimum ke atas barang kawalan seperti di atas telah ditetapkan supaya pengguna mudah mendapatkan bekalan barang tersebut pada harga yang terkawal. Peruntukan di bawah Akta 122 Akta ini mengandungi 30 seksyen. Fokus utama Akta 122 ialah kuasa Pengawal1 dan kesalahan-kesalahan di bawah Akta. Hal ini selaras dengan tujuan Akta 122 untuk memastikan pengguna mudah mendapatkan barang-barang kawalan. Dalam keadaan tertentu pula, seperti bencana alam dan

1 Pegawai Pengawal merupakan seorang penjawat awam yang dilantik sebagai Pengawal Bekalan di bawah Akta 122.


sebagainya, Akta 122 boleh digunakan sepenuhnya bersama-sama kuasa-kuasa yang diperuntukkan di bawah Akta Kawalan Harga dan Antipencatutan 2011 untuk menentukan bekalan mencukupi pada harga yang berpatutan. Berikut ialah perbincangan tentang peruntukan penting dalam Akta 122, iaitu berkenaan pelesenan, penguatkuasaan Akta 122 dan kesalahan-kesalahan serta hukuman yang diperuntukkan. Pelesenan Sistem pelesenan ialah elemen penting untuk menyokong sesuatu undang-undang dan untuk memastikan keberkesanannya. Borrie (1982) menyatakan bahawa pelesenan memastikan sesuatu perniagaan mematuhi syarat-syarat tertentu sebelum menjalankan perniagaan. Hal ini bertujuan untuk memastikan bahawa pengguna berurusan dengan peniaga yang jujur dan tidak mengeksploitasi mereka. Seksyen 7 Akta 122 dan Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan 1974 menggariskan bahawa pengilang, pemborong dan penjual runcit barang-barang kawalan berjadual hendaklah mempunyai lesen untuk menjual barang-barang tersebut. Seperti yang dibincangkan di atas, terdapat 11 barang kawalan berjadual yang bekalannya sering mendatangkan masalah. Lesen Barang-barang Berjadual dikeluarkan oleh Pengawal Bekalan mengikut Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan 1974. Jumlah yuran untuk lesen adalah berbeza-beza, bergantung pada pihak yang memohon. Pengilang harus membayar yuran RM50 untuk tempoh lesen selama setahun. Jumlah maksimum ialah lima tahun dengan yuran sebanyak RM250. Yuran tahunan untuk pengedar ialah RM25 sementara penjual runcit RM10. Selepas memegang lesen selama lima tahun, pengilang, pengedar dan penjual runcit haruslah memohon lesen baharu. Menurut Perintah Kawalan Bekalan (Pengecualian) 1991, penjual runcit barang-barang berjadual seperti gula, tepung gandum, minyak masak, minyak tanah dan baja kimia dikecualikan daripada pelesenan. Bagi roti pula hanya pengilang sahaja yang perlu mendapatkan lesen. Walalu bagaimanapun, pengecualian ini telah ditarik balik pada tahun 2010 dan semua peniaga yang menjual barang kawalan termasuk gula dan minyak masak secara runcit diwajibkan memiliki lesen runcit barang-barang kawalan. Langkah ini diambil untuk memastikan bekalan barang-barang kawalan tidak diseleweng oleh mana-mana pihak. Oleh itu, peruncit yang menjual barang-barang kawalan perlu mempunyai lesen yang dikenakan bayaran RM10 setahun. Apabila lesen dikeluarkan oleh Pengawal Bekalan, pengilang, pengedar atau peniaga runcit hendaklah berupaya untuk menunjukkan lesen tersebut apabila diminta oleh Pengawal Bekalan. Justeru, menjadi satu kesalahan dan boleh dikenakan hukuman jika pengilang, pengedar atau peniaga runcit gagal untuk menunjukkan lesen tersebut.


Menurut Seksyen 7(2) Akta 122, Pengawal Bekalan mempunyai kuasa untuk mengeluarkan atau memperbaharu lesen. Pengawal juga boleh mengubah sebarang syarat yang difikirkan perlu, menggantung, membatalkan atau tidak memperbaharu lesen atau permit pada bila-bila masa tanpa perlu memberikan sebarang penjelasan (Seksyen 7(5)). Walau bagaimanapun, Pengawal Bekalan hendaklah menggunakan budi bicaranya dengan adil. Jika ada pihak yang tidak berpuas hati dengan keengganan Pengawal Bekalan untuk mengeluarkan atau memperbaharu lesen, mereka boleh merayu terhadap keputusan ini kepada Menteri. Keputusan yang dibuat Menteri adalah muktamad (Seksyen 7(6)). Penguatkuasaan Akta Peranan pegawai penguatkuasa sangat penting untuk menguatkuasakan undang-undang. Oleh itu, pegawai penguatkuasa di bawah Akta 122 diberi kuasa untuk memasuki premis dan memeriksa serta menyita barang-barang. Mereka juga menjalankan penyiasatan dan mempunyai kuasa untuk menangkap orang yang disyaki melakukan kesalahan di bawah Akta. Sistem penguatkuasaan Penguatkuasaan yang efektif ialah elemen yang terpenting dalam undang-undang perlindungan pengguna. Tanpa penguatkuasaan, Akta yang digubal dengan baik pun boleh dianggap sia-sia (Goode, 1989). Menurut Rachagan (1997) serta Howells dan Weatherill (2005), kritikan terhadap undang-undang pengguna di kebanyakan negara membangun adalah terhadap penguatkuasaan yang tidak berkesan. Sistem penguatkuasaan seharusnya disokong oleh tenaga kerja yang mencukupi dan oleh pegawai-pegawai yang terlatih untuk menjalankan tugas penguatkuasaan (Mohd. Said, 1990). Kuasa untuk mendapat maklumat Di bawah Seksyen 8 Akta 122, Pengawal Bekalan atau pegawai bekalan boleh memohon secara bertulis untuk mengarahkan sesiapa untuk memberikan maklumat berkaitan pembekalan, termasuklah kuantiti dalam kawalan, kos yang dibelanjakan, harga yang dikenakan dan maklumat lain yang diperlukan. Penguatkuasa juga boleh menyiasat dokumen-dokumen yang berkaitan dengan bekalan. Kuasa untuk memasuki premis Pegawai penguatkuasa mempunyai kuasa untuk memasuki premis dengan kebenaran bertulis untuk menyiasat lebih lanjut jika mempercayai kesalahan


di bawah Akta 122 telah dilakukan di premis tersebut (Seksyen 9). Mana-mana pihak yang menghalang para penguatkuasa daripada menjalankan tugasnya dianggap melakukan kesalahan di bawah Akta 122 ini. Kuasa untuk menangkap, merampas, menyiasat dan mendakwa Kuasa untuk menangkap, merampas, menyiasat serta mendakwa ialah satu bidang kuasa yang sangat besar dalam sesuatu penyiasatan. Akta 122 juga mempunyai peruntukan sedemikian. Malah, kuasa ini diperluaskan bukan sahaja kepada Pengawal Bekalan atau pegawai bekalan tetapi juga kepada pegawai polis berpangkat inspektor ke atas dan pegawai kastam jika diberi kuasa secara bertulis oleh Pengawal (Seksyen 10). Pihak ini boleh menangkap tanpa menggunakan waran jika dipercayai suspek telah melakukan kesalahan di bawah Akta. Jika suspek ditahan, kes suspek hendaklah dikendalikan di bawah Kanun Prosedur Jenayah (Akta 593). Selain kuasa menangkap tanpa waran, mandat juga diberi untuk merampas bekalan yang disyaki boleh menjadi bukti. Menurut Seksyen 11, Pengawal Bekalan atau pegawai bekalan juga mempunyai kuasa untuk mengambil hak milik barang kawalan termasuk juga kenderaan dan kapal jika dipercayai kenderaan atau kapal tersebut digunakan untuk melakukan kesalahan yang terdapat dalam Akta. Kesalahan-kesalahan dan hukuman Terdapat sembilan jenis kesalahan yang disenaraikan di bawah Akta 122, seperti yang diringkaskan dalam Jadual 1 di bawah.

Jadual 1: Kesalahan-kesalahan di bawah Akta 122

Seksyen Kesalahan

14 Menjual barang-barang kawalan melebihi kuantiti yang dibenarkan.

15 Menyorok atau memusnahkan barang-barang kawalan supaya barang-barang kawalan tersebut disekat daripada memasuki pasaran.

16 Menjual barang-barang kawalan tanpa mempunyai lesen yang sah.

16A Penafian palsu memiliki atau enggan menjual barang-barang kawalan.

17 Peruncit yang tidak mempamerkan lesen serta senarai barang-barang kawalan dan catuan.


Jadual 1(sambungan)

Seksyen Kesalahan

18

Sesiapa yang memperolehi atau cubaan untuk memperolehi makanan catuan untuk penggunaan isi rumah. Peruncit yang membekalkan atau cuba untuk membekalkan makanan catuan untuk penggunaan isi rumah.

19 Meletakkan syarat-syarat yang menyalahi undang-undang semasa menjual barang-barang kawalan.

20

Memindahkan barang-barang kawalan daripada premis perniagaan. Menyimpan barang-barang kawalan selain di premis yang tercatat di dalam lesen.

21 Memiliki barang-barang kawalan secara menyalahi undang-undang.

Jenis-jenis kesalahan yang disenaraikan di atas adalah seiring dengan matlamat Akta untuk mengawal aktiviti mencatu bekalan. Oleh itu, pemantauan dijalankan dari aspek kuantiti barang-barang yang dibenarkan dan menghalang kegiatan menyorok atau memunsnahkan bekalan. Barang-barang kawalan dan catuan hendaklah dimiliki dengan cara yang sah. Justeru, aspek pelesenan amat ditekankan dan para penjual mesti mempunyai lesen yang sah. Barang-barang kawalan juga mestilah disimpan di premis yang dinyatakan dalam lesen dan tidak boleh dialih ke tempat lain. Peruncit pula bertanggungjawab untuk mempamerkan lesen asal mereka di tempat yang mudah dilihat oleh para pengguna. Di samping itu, peruncit juga perlu mempamerkan senarai barang-barang kawalan atau catuan kepada pengguna. Senarai tersebut hendaklah ditulis dalam bahasa Malaysia dan bahasa Inggeris. Pengawal juga berhak untuk mengarahkan agar senarai tersebut diterjemah ke apa-apa bahasa yang lain. Sesiapa yang melakukan kesalahan-kesalahan di atas boleh didakwa di Mahkamah dan jika didapati bersalah boleh didenda atau dipenjarakan. Individu yang didapati bersalah boleh dihukum denda tidak melebihi RM100,000 atau penjara tidak melebihi tiga tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali. Bagi kesalahan yang seterusnya, pesalah boleh didenda tidak melebihi RM250,000 atau penjara tidak melebihi lima tahun atau kedua-duanya. Bagi syarikat pula, jika disabit kesalahan boleh didenda tidak melebihi RM250,000 dan bagi kesalahan yang berikutnya tidak melebihi RM500,000. Denda yang dikenakan ini telah dinaikkan jumlahnya semasa pindaan pada tahun 2006. Sebelum pindaan tahun 2006, jumlah asal bagi kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh individu hanyalah RM15,000 bagi kesalahan pertama dan RM25,000 bagi kesalahan seterusnya. Bagi syarikat pula, denda asal hanyalah RM25,000 dan RM50,000 bagi kesalahan seterusnya. Kenaikan


denda yang amat tinggi dan berbelas-belas kali ganda daripada jumlah asal menunjukkan betapa seriusnya kesalahan-kesalahan yang dilakukan di bawah Akta 122 ini. Selain itu, tindakan ini juga boleh menjadi pengajaran yang sewajarnya kepada para peniaga. Apabila seseorang itu disabitkan dengan kesalahan di bawah Akta 122, Mahkamah yang mensabitkannya itu boleh mengarahkan agar lesennya dibatalkan atau melarang individu/syarikat daripada mendapatkan lesen baharu pada suatu jangka masa yang ditentukan atau selama-lamanya. Mahkamah juga boleh menggantung lesen bagi satu jangka waktu yang ditetapkan. Kompaun Ada juga kesalahan di bawah Akta 122 yang boleh dikompaun. Pengawal Bekalan atau pegawai bekalan yang diberi kuasa boleh mengkompaun kesalahan dengan menerima bayaran kompaun daripada mereka yang melakukan kesalahan. Apabila bayaran telah diterima, tindakan tidak boleh diambil lagi terhadap kesalahan tersebut. Jika ada barang-barang yang dirampas berkaitan kesalahan tersebut, barang-barang tersebut hendaklah dipulangkan dengan syarat-syarat yang ditetapkan. Perundangan subsidiari di bawah Akta 122 Akta 122 juga mempunyai peruntukan subsidiari yang berupa peraturan-peraturan yang menyokong dan memperjelaskan lagi Akta 122.

Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan 1974 [ P.U (A)103/74] Peraturan bertujuan mengawal pengeluaran, pengedaran, simpanan dan jualan barang-barang kawalan melalui pelesenan. Peraturan ini mewajibkan semua pengilang, pengedar, pemborong dan penjual runcit barang-barang kawalan tersebut mempunyai lesen yang dikeluarkan di bawah peraturan ini.

Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan (Pengkompaunan

Kesalahan-kesalahan) 2001 [ P.U (A) 176/2001] Peraturan ini menetapkan prosedur pengkompaunan kesalahan di bawah Akta 122.

Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan (Larangan Eksport) 2000 [ P.U (A) 367/2000] Peraturan ini melarang pengeksportan tepung gandum dan bahan api diesel (melebihi 20 liter) kecuali bagai pengilang untuk memenuhi


obligasi kontrak dengan mana-mana orang di luar Malaysia dan mestilah mendapatkan surat kebenaran untuk mengeksport daripada Pengawal Bekalan.

Peraturan-peraturan Kawalan Bekalan (Ayam) 1996 [ P.U (A) 18/96] Peraturan ini bertujuan untuk menstabilkan bekalan ayam melalui pelesenan. Semua pemborong dan penjual runcit ayam diwajibkan mempunyai lesen yang dikeluarkan di bawah peraturan ini dan mematuhi syarat-syarat yang dinyatakan di dalam lesen tersebut.

Perintah Kawalan Bekalan (Penandaan Barang-barang

Kawalan) 2006 [P.U (A) 379/06] Perintah ini bertujuan untuk membenteras penyelewengan minyak diesel bersubsidi dengan melaksanakan program Nanotag.

Peranan Pengguna Akta 122 memastikan keseimbangan dalam pasaran dan bekalan barang keperluan yang cukup untuk pengguna. Hal ini selari dengan hak pengguna untuk mendapat keperluan asas. Dalam pada itu, pengguna juga harus menjalankan tanggungjawab sebagai seorang pengguna untuk menegakkan hak ini. Pertama, pengguna harus melibatkan diri dan mengambil tahu akan hal ehwal semasa berkenaan dengan kepenggunaan. Jika isu berhubung dengan kawalan bekalan timbul, pengguna haruslah bertindak secara rasional. Sebilangan pengguna bertindak terburu-buru memborong barang-barang keperluan tersebut apabila terjadinya masalah bekalan dan ini akan menimbulkan rasa panik dan memburukkan keadaan. Kedua, jika pengguna mempunyai maklumat tentang kegiatan menyorok barang-barang kawalan, laporkan kepada pihak KPDNKK secepat mungkin supaya tindakan dapat diambil. Ketiga, pengguna harus bersatu padu kerana inilah tindakan yang paling berkesan dan boleh menambah kekuatan serta suara pengguna. Ikutilah arahan kerajaan dengan baik kerana kerajaan mempunyai pelan tindakan jika berhadapan dengan masalah bekalan barang-barang keperluan. Penutup Isu kekurangan bekalan barang-barang keperluan pengguna di pasaran adalah isu bermusim yang timbul ekoran pelbagai faktor yang kadangkala tidak dapat dielakkan. Terdapat tiga jenis barang kawalan iaitu barang kawalan sepanjang masa, barang kawalan berjadual dan barang kawalan musim perayaan yang telah ditetapkan di bawah Peraturan Kawalan Bekalan untuk


memastikan bekalan yang cukup kepada pengguna sepanjang masa. Penguatkuasaan Akta 211 memainkan peranan penting untuk membenteras aktiviti penyelewengan bekalan seperti menyorok barang. Di samping itu, pengguna juga mempunyai peranan untuk menyokong usaha KPDNKK dengan menjalankan tanggungjawab sebagai pengguna yang bijak. Rujukan Borrie, G.J. (1982). Legal and administrative measures of consumer protection in the United Kingdom,” in Eastham, N. & Krivy, B. (edit). The Cambrigde Lectures 1981. Toronto: Butterworths. Goode, R.M. (1989). Consumer Credit Law. London: Butterworths. Howells, G. & Weatherill, S. (2005). Consumer Protection Law, 2nd ed. Hants: Ashgate. Mohd Said Md Zin. (1990). The Role of Enforcement, Ministry of Trade and Industry. A paper presented at the National Complaints Handling Workshop. 4-6 May 1990. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Rachagan, S. (1997). Consumer protection in the rapidly developing economies of South-East Asia: A case study from Malaysia. Ramsay, I. (edit). Consumer Law in the Global Economy: National and International Dimensions. Hants: Ashgate Publishing Ltd.


AN OVERVIEW OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND FOOD CONSUMPTION PATTERN AMONG MALAYSIAN POPULATION

Shamsul Azahari Zainal Badari1, 2

Jayashree Arcot3

1Department of Resource Management and Consumer Studies, Faculty of Human Ecology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.

2Sustainable Consumption Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia 3Food Science and Technology, School of Chemical Engineering

Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Introduction Food is one of the basic human needs. Humans need food to live. However, food is not only used to live, but also serve as a luxury item. According to the Malaysia Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) for 2009/10, food and non-alcoholic beverages is the second highest expenditure among Malaysians with 20.3 percent of average total expenditure (Malaysia Department of Statistics, 2012). Furthermore, the overeating of food among Malaysians has increased the prevalence of obesity and overweight. The World Health Organisation (WHO) (2013) reported that Malaysia was ranked as the sixth in Asia for the highest adult obesity rate. This is caused by the imbalance diet and high consumption of energy-dense food and low intake of vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, the study by Norimah et al. (2008) showed that 97 percent of Malaysian adults consume rice, marine fish and sweetened condensed milk daily whereby this type of food were reported as energy-dense. Even though rice is the staple food for Malaysians, but rice contributes more energy than other food in Malaysia. Zainal Badari et al. (2012) also reported that typical Malaysian diet consists mainly of protein-based and energy-based food and low intake of fruits and vegetables. In order to know more about the pattern of Malaysian food intake, several factors need to be clarified, such as household income, food expenditure, nutritional status and eating pattern. This paper will provide a clear overview of the factors that contribute to the nutritional status and food consumption pattern of the Malaysian population.


The Malaysian situation The Malaysian population in 2010 was 28.3 million, with the proportion of racial groups being 67.4 percent Bumiputera, 24.6 percent Chinese, 7.3 percent Indian, and 0.7 percent others. The Malays were the predominant ethnic group in Peninsular Malaysia (63.1%). The total population in the working age group (15-64 years old) was 19.1 million, of which 72.8 percent were from urban areas while the rest were from rural areas (Malaysia Department of Statistics, 2011). This number represents the human resources of Malaysia for the country’s development and growth. In the past decade, Malaysia has been enjoying rapid growth and a low inflation rate. However, at the beginning of 2004, the consumer price index (CPI), which measures the inflation showed an increase due to the increases in fuel price. Consequently, the imbalance in income among Malaysians has increased since 2005, especially in the rural and urban areas, albeit in 2009, the overall income distribution was more balanced (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2010). The household income categories for Malaysians were based on the monthly income of less than MYR2300 (lower-income), MYR2301-MYR5599 (middle-income) and equal or more than MYR5600 (higher-income). In 2012, 40.0 percent of Malaysian households had a monthly income of less than MYR2300, with the mean for monthly income being MYR1847. Of this total, 90.6 percent were lower-income households. Based on the strata, the distribution of lower-income households between rural (48.6%) and urban (51.4%) areas was evenly distributed (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2014). At the same time, Malaysia plans to reduce the poverty rate among the population to 0.0 percent by year 2020. The poverty rate declined from 8.7 percent in 1995 to 6.0 percent in 2002, and continued to decline to 1.7 percent in 2012. The hard-core poverty rate also reduced from 2.0 percent in 1995 to 0.2 percent in 2012 (Malaysia Department of Statistics, 2014). It seems that the incidence of poverty and hard-core poverty among rural households was also reduced from 14.8 percent in 1999 to 3.4 percent in 2012 and 3.6 percent to 0.6 percent respectively, within the same period (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2014). The incidence of poverty was based on the poverty line where those who had a monthly income below than MYR720 (Peninsular Malaysia; urban: MYR740; rural: MYR700), MYR830 (Sarawak; urban: MYR860; rural: MYR810), and MYR960 (Sabah; urban: MYR970; rural: MYR940) were considered poor (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2006). The poverty line of Malaysia is divided into two categories: food poverty line and non-food poverty line. The food poverty line refers to the energy requirement of individuals based on the nutritional balance from cereals and cereal products, chicken, eggs, fish, milk, fat and oils, sugar, fruits and vegetables, and legumes. Starting from


2005, the food poverty line for Peninsular Malaysia was MYR430 (urban: MYR420; rural: MYR440), Sarawak (MYR520; urban: MYR530; rural: MYR500), and Sabah (MYR540; urban: MYR540; rural: MYR540). Households with a monthly income below this line were considered as hard-core poor (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2006). For the non-food poverty line, the components are clothes, housing, transportation and other expenses based on the household expenditure survey. A household income below MYR663 (urban) and MYR657 per month (rural) for Peninsular Malaysia; MYR881 (urban) and MYR897 (rural) for Sabah; MYR777 (urban) and MYR753 (rural) for Sarawak for non-food poverty line is considered poor (Malaysia Prime Minister’s Department, 2006). Based on these lines, the household income are not enough, especially between the lower-income and middle-income group, to satisfy their nutrient intake due to the increase in food prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the changes in food price. The CPI calculates the percentage change in the cost of purchasing a constant basket of goods and services in a specified time period (Malaysia Department of Statistics, 2012). The CPI for Malaysia represents the expenditure pattern of Malaysian households and is collected by the Malaysian Department of Statistics every year. The CPI of the food basket for the base period (every five years) was assigned a value of 100.0. Since 2003, the CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverages has increased (Malaysia Department of Statistics, 2012) as shown in Table 1. For 2004, the CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 2.0 percent compared to 2003, and the incremental increase in this category from 2005-2009 was 20.7 percent The increase in CPI is due to the increase in petrol and diesel fuel prices. Other factors that contribute to the increment of CPI include the freight rates, insurance premiums and other transportation-related costs (Jinap, Mad Nasir & Mohd Salim, 2003). Even though socio-economic development has increased since Malaysia’s independence in 1957, the economic downturn in 1997 and again in 2007 has decreased the spending power among Malaysians, especially for those in the lower-income group. Some efforts have been made to sustain consumer spending. For example new technologies, new brands developed for local products, and the increasing use of biotechnology through the Ministry of Agriculture (Jinap et al., 2003). Based on these efforts, there are many opportunities for the food industry and agricultural sectors to increase their production, and, at the same time, reduce food prices in the market. Consumers can spend less to buy healthier food, which will provide many advantages for lower income households. However, a report by the Malaysia Department of Statistics (2011) showed that food and non-alcoholic beverage


expenditure among Malaysian households between 2004/05 and 2009/10 increased by 13.0% due to the increase in the food prices. This is likely to have increased the budget constraints of lower-income households in Malaysia (Heng & Guan, 2007). Table 1: Consumer Price Index (2005=100; 2010=100) by Food and Non-

alcoholic Beverages and Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Group, 2003-2011, Malaysia

Year Group

Total Food & non-alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages & tobacco

Weight (2005 &

2010=100) 100 31.4 1.9

2003 95.7 94.4 79.0 2004 97.1 96.4 87.8 2005 100.0 100.0 100.0 2006 103.6 103.4 106.9 2007 105.7 106.5 115.2 2008 111.4 115.9 123.6 2009 112.1 120.7 131.1 2010 100.0 100.0 100.0 2011 103.2 104.8 104.6

Source: Malaysia Department of Statistics (2012) The nutritional status of the Malaysian population The nutritional status of Malaysians is undergoing a transition (Khor et al., 2002). Changes in lifestyle, including food production, food preferences, dietary habits, and other factors related to food are associated with the changes in the health and disease patterns of Malaysians (Khor et al., 1998). The health statistics show that heart disease and diseases of pulmonary circulation (16.5%) are the major causes of death for Malaysians in 2008 (Malaysia Ministry of Health, 2009). At the same time, the prevalence of obesity and overweight among children is increasing (Kasmini et al., 1997; Ismail & Tan, 1998; Ismail & Vickneswary, 1999), which will lead to risk factors for type two diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and obesity when they become adults (He & Evans, 2007). Lifestyle changes in adults lead to unhealthy eating habits, socioeconomic pressure, and smoking and decreased physical activity, which will lead to an increase in chronic disease risk factors (Lam & Khor, 1997). The principle causes of death in Malaysia among men and women aged 15-64 years old in


2007 were ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease (Malaysia Ministry of Health, 2009), which are assumed to increase yearly. Some research shows that these diseases are related to unhealthy food intake. Another study shows that poor dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles were the major weight gain contributors (Norlaila, 2008). The causes of overweight and obesity are complex and are subject to many contributory factors. In this case, genetic make-up, activity levels, age, gender, behaviour, environment, culture and energy intake (Williams, 2004) are some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of obesity and overweight among adults. The changes in lifestyle also lead to the changes in energy requirements of the individuals. Even though some people need to consume higher energy food because of their active lifestyle, most of them lead inactive lifestyle, and, therefore, need fewer calories. In addition, they need to cut their energy intake to maintain their ideal weight (Williams, 2004). However, the high intake of energy-dense food and sedentary lifestyle among Malaysians (Noor, 2002) have increased the problem of overweight and obesity among them. The problem of overweight and obesity among adults in Malaysia is higher than most of the other Asian countries except for South Asian countries where the overweight rate was 17.4 percent and is higher in women (26.0%) than men (7.2%) (Kee et al., 2008). Overweight and obesity are related to cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes (Burke et al., 2005). The results from the Malaysian Third National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS III) in 2006 showed that 29.1 percent of the adults were overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and 14.0 percent of the adults were obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m2). In addition, women have higher obesity prevalence (17.4%) than men (10.0%). Based on these results, it seems that the level of overweight and obesity among adults has increased three times compared to the results from Malaysian NHMS II in 1996 (Noor Safiza et al., 2008). However, the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) in 2003 reported that the energy intake among adults was lower than RNI 2005, which suggests that the underestimation of dietary intake in some people may reflect on the energy intake of the population (Mirnalini et al., 2008). Chee, Ismail and Zawiah (1997) in their study showed that, in general, Malaysian adults have increased their fat derived energy intake from 23.0 percent to 27.0 percent while the energy intake from carbohydrates decreased from 63.0 percent to 59.0 percent. Narayan and Abdul Rashid (2007), in their research of body mass index and nutritional status among adults in two rural villages in Malaysia, showed that the prevalence of underweight was 9.8 percent, overweight 25.9 percent and obesity 17.0 percent. This study also showed that women, especially


housewives, were obese and that half of them had hypertension. Besides hypertension, other conditions such as diabetes are also common. Another study showed that the prevalence of overweight among men was 51.0 percent and 35.0 percent in women, while obesity was present in 27.0 percent of women and 22.0 percent of men. It was pointed out that overweight and obesity are potential health problems among adults, especially in the rural areas (Norimah & Haja Mohaideen, 2003). Some studies have been conducted to determine the nutritional status among children and the elderly in Malaysia. Suriah et al. (1996) found that the mean energy intake among the elderly were below the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). The percentage of carbohydrates from total calories was higher than fat and protein, while there were no respondents who consumed less than 1/3 RDA of protein in this study. The study by Zalilah et al. (2000) among schoolchildren from low-income families in Kuala Lumpur showed that 52.0 percent of the children were underweight, 50.0 percent were stunted, and 30.0 percent of them were borderline wasted. This study also showed that more boys were underweight, stunted, wasted, and overweight compared to the girls. Even though there were cases of under-nutrition, many studies have shown that children tend to be overweight and obese in Malaysia (Ismail & Tan, 1998; Ismail & Vickneswary, 1999; Chee et al., 2002; Lekhraj Rampal et al., 2007). From the literature collected so far, the nutritional status of the Malaysian population seems to show a trend towards over nutrition. According to Tee (1999), the fat and protein intake from 1961 to 1997 increased, and appear to increase every year. Data on the food balance sheet for Malaysia, taken from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2012) showed an incremental increase in energy intake from food supply (kcal/capita/day) every five years starting from 1980 to 2009 (Table 2). From 1980 to 2009, the energy intake from food supply increased gradually from 2765 kcal/capita/day to 2902 kcal/capita/day. In 1995, the intake was highest (2943 kcal/capita/day). The total fat and protein intake for the same period also showed an incremental increase. The total fat supply for 1980 increased from 77.4 g/capita/day to 84.7 g/capita/day in 2009. For protein, the supply increased from 59.1 g/capita/day in 1985 to 79.0 g/capita/day in 2009. The percentage of total supply from plant sources for fat in this period increased from 51.2 percent to 53.8 percent with the highest percentage in 1985 (Figure 1). For protein supply, it showed a gradual increment, except for the years 1985-1995 (FAO, 2012). However, the fat and protein supply from animal sources increased year by year. Based on this data, it shows that Malaysians get more energy from animal sources, which has led to the increased risk of chronic diseases. As reported by Khor


(2012), the calories obtained from animal products rose about 82.0 percent from 1967 to 2007, even though there was a noticeable decline during that period.

Table 2: Food Balance Sheet Data by Food, Fat and Protein Supply, 1980-2009, Malaysia

Year

Item 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2009 Food Supply (kcal/capita/day) 2765 2671 2656 2943 2864 2820 2902

Fat Supply (g/capita/day) 77.4 92.1 90.1 89.3 84.4 83.8 84.7

Protein Supply (g/capita/day) 59.1 58.6 63.0 76.0 76.0 77.1 79.0

Source: FAO (2012)

Source: FAO (2012)

Figure 1: Percentage of Fat and Protein from Animal and Plant

Products based on The Food Balance Sheet of Malaysia, 1980-2009 Based on previous studies, overweight and obesity among Malaysians become a challenging trend for the public's health. The latest survey shows the pre-obese and obese among Malaysian adults were 33.3 percent and 27.4 percent respectively, while 3.9 percent of Malaysian children were obese (Malaysia Ministry of Health, 2011). Furthermore, obesity is a core risk factor for several chronic diseases. Therefore, the government should take the necessary action by developing policies and programs that can reduce the problems of overweight and obesity among Malaysian.

34 29.3 34.4 42

35 37.1 37 44.3

51.4 55 58 54.2 52.3 52.5 66.1 71 66

58.2 65.4 63 63.5

56 48.5 45.1 42 45 48.5 47.3

0

20

40

60

80

1980

1981

1982

1983

1984

1985

1986

1987

1988

1989

1990

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Perc

ent (

%)

Year

Animal products (fat) Animal products (protein)

Plant products (fat) Plant products (protein)


Food consumption pattern of the Malaysian population The food consumption survey is normally used to assess the food consumption at the national, household or individual level, with the data being expressed in terms of nutrient and/or food (Gibson, 2005). The food balance sheet was used to assess the food available nationally, and the data were presented based on a per capita basis using population estimation. The food balance sheets were also used to monitor food consumption trends over certain periods within an individual country and to compare the supply of food available between countries (Gibson, 2005). Many studies have been conducted to measure the food consumption pattern of Malaysians. Chee et al. (1996) reported that Malay estate workers consumed a lot of rice, cooking oil and sugar, while Indian estate workers consumed more rice, cooking oil and instant coffee. These food items were the main source of energy in their diet. The source of protein mainly comes from fish while meat, poultry and fish products were consumed among these workers. Other studies reported low intake of micronutrients and vitamins, such as calcium, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin, due to the low consumption of meat, fruits, vegetables and milk among rural adults in Malaysia and higher intake of meat and chicken among urban adults resulting in the higher intake of fat in their diet (Chee et al., 1997). The study by Khor (2012) also reported that rice, anchovies and marine fish were highly consumed by Malay rural households, and contributed to the energy and protein in their diet. The same results were obtained by Norimah et al. (2008) in the MANS, which showed rice, marine fish, green vegetables and sweetened condensed milk are among the foods that were highly consumed by adults. Rice and sugar were excessively consumed by urban adults in Malaysia while green vegetables, chicken and sweetened condensed milk were consumed moderately in the current study of food consumption pattern in Malaysia (Zainal Badari et al., 2012). It seems that from 1996 to 2012, energy-dense foods, such as rice, were consumed in higher amounts among Malaysians, while milk, vegetables and fruits were consumed moderately or in low amounts. However, the intake of rice per capita of Malaysians decreased about 15.0 percent from 1990 to 2005 even though rice is a major staple food, while the consumption of poultry and meat products increased within the same period (Warr, Rodriguez & Penm, 2008). The increased consumption of poultry and meat products increases the intake of fat and protein in the diet and is one of the risk factors of overweight and obesity among Malaysians (Norlaila, 2008; Kee et al., 2008; Noor Safiza et al., 2008). The demand for wheat based products and rice among Malaysian (Sheng et al., 2008) also increased the factors of overweight and obesity.


The food balance sheet data from FAO shows the increasing trend availability per capita of the macronutrient calories, fat and protein of Malaysia (FAO, 2012). The steady decline of calories from complex carbohydrates, and unchanged availability of fruits and vegetables were also shown in this data. The rise of intake of fat and protein foods that provide high calories can result in overweight and obesity among Malaysian. As the intake of food varies widely in previous studies among Malaysia, other factors should be taken into account such as food preferences and socioeconomic factors to measure the food consumption among Malaysians. Conclusion Although many studies have been conducted to measure the nutritional status and food consumption pattern of the Malaysian population, several factors need to be considered as well for future research, such as household income, poverty line, consumer price index, prevalence of overweight and obesity and type of food consumed. This paper can be used as a reference for researchers interested in the food consumption pattern and food expenditure pattern of Malaysian population. In addition, this paper can be used as a guideline in developing studies related to food consumption by households, either in urban or rural areas. The factors described above should be given special attention in the methodology development of food consumption studies. References Burke, V., Beilin, L.J., & Simmer, K. (2005). Predictors of body mass index and associations with cardiovascular risk factors in Australian children: A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Obesity, 29, 15-23. Chee, H.L., Khor, G.L., Fatimah, A., Wan Manan, W.M., Mohd Nasir, M.T., Nik Shanita, S., Norimah, A.K., Norlela, M.H., Normah, H., Poh, B.K., & Rokiah, M.Y. (2002). Nutritional assessment of pre-school children in rural villages for the family dynamics, lifestyles and nutrition study (1997-2001). II. Prevalence of undernutrition and relationship to household socio-economic indicators. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 8, 33-53. Chee, S.S., Ismail, M.N., & Zawiah, H. (1997). Food intake assessment of adults in rural and urban areas from four selected regions in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 3, 91-102. Chee, S.S., Zawiah, H., Ismail, M.N., & Ng, K.K. (1996). Anthropometry, dietary pattern, and nutrient intakes of Malaysian estate workers. Malaysian Journal of Nutrition, 2, 112-126.


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Tajuk



PENYUMBANG ARTIKEL





Husniyah Abd. Rahim Fakulti Ekologi Manusia, Universiti Putra Malaysia Jayashree Arcot Faculty of Engineering, University of New South Wales,Australia
















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