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Fulltext Substance abuse and the HIV situation in Malaysia

Singh D, Chawarski MC, Schottenfeld R, Vicknasingam B

J Food Drug Anal, 2013 Dec;21(4):S46-S51.
PMID: 25278737 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2013.09.033

Heroin continues to be the main drug used in Malaysia, while amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) have been recently identified as a growing problem. A cumulative total of 300,241 drug users were detected between 1988 and 2006. It is also estimated that Malaysia has 170,000 injecting drug users. HIV prevalence among drug users in the country ranges from 25% to 45%. Currently, there are approximately 380 general medical practice offices that offer agonist maintenance treatments for approximately 10,000 patients. There are 27,756 active patients in 333 general medical practice offices and government-run methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) centers. The Needle Syringe Exchange Program (NSEP) reached out to 34,244 injection drug users (IDUs) in 2011. In the last 2 years (2011 and 2012) the number of detected drug addicts decreased from 11,194 to 9015. The arrests made by the police related to opiate and cannabis use increased from 41,363 to 63,466 between the years 2008 and 2010, but decreased since 2010. An almost four-fold increase in the number of ATS and ketamine users was detected from 2006 (21,653 users) 2012 (76,812). Between 2004 and 2010, the yearly seizures for heroin ranged between 156 to 270 kg. However, in 2010 and 2011, heroin seizures showed a significant increase of 445kg and 410.02 kg, respectively. There has been a seizure of between 600 to 1000kg of syabu yearly from 2009 to 2012. Similar to heroin, increased seizures for Yaba have also been observed over the last 2 years. A significant increase has also been recorded for the seizures of ecstasy pills from 2011 (47,761 pills) to 2012 (634,573 pills). The cumulative number of reported HIV infections since 1986 is 94,841. In 2011, sexual activity superseded injection drug use as the main transmission factor for the epidemic. HIV in the country mainly involves males, as they constitute 90% of cumulative HIV cases and a majority of those individuals are IDUs. However, HIV infection trends are shifting from males to females. There are 37,306 people living with HIV (PLHIV) who are eligible for treatment, and 14,002 PLHIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART) in 2011. The decreasing trend of heroin users who have been detected and arrested could be due to the introduction of medical treatments and harm reduction approaches for drug users, resulting in fewer drug users being arrested. However, we are unable to say with certainty why there has been an increase in heroin seizures in the country. There has been an increasing trend in both ATS users and seizures. A new trend of co-occurring opiate dependence and ATS underscores the need to develop and implement effective treatments for ATS, co-occurring opiate and ATS, and polysubstance abuse disorders. The low numbers of NSEP clients being tested for HIV underscores our caution in interpreting the decline of HIV infections among drug users and the importance of focusing on providing education, prevention, treatment, and outreach to those who are not in treatment.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Asian Livestock Industry Leaders' Perceptions of the Importance of, and Solutions for, Animal Welfare Issues

Sinclair M, Phillips CJC

Animals (Basel), 2019 Jun 05;9(6).
PMID: 31195720 DOI: 10.3390/ani9060319

The welfare of farm animals has been the focus of increasing international interest, however, the movement has had little engagement with livestock leaders who are, arguably, the stakeholders in the position most able to make decisions that impact on animal welfare at critical times. Previous studies have drawn attention to the need to engage in constructive collaborations with the livestock industry for the betterment of animal welfare, and to uncover mutual benefits for both stakeholders and proponents of animal welfare with which collaborations can be motivated. This study aimed to continue this need to understand leaders in livestock management, by consulting their opinions as to what constitutes the most critical animal welfare issues during farming and slaughter, and what they see as some of the solutions to begin addressing livestock welfare issues in their country. Seventeen focus group sessions were held with 139 leaders in livestock industries in six diverse countries in Asia, including China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Bangladesh. Leaders included government representatives, key academics in agriculture, and business managers and leaders within the domestic animal agriculture industries, as relevant to each country. After conducting thematic analysis and applying basic statistical measures, the findings suggest that solutions within the themes of education, training, and awareness are most valued. However, how each of these could be best addressed varied by country. The need for local research and local solutions also contributed to the most frequent opportunities, as did the requirement for prescriptive and consistent standards and expectations. A ranking of animal welfare issues is presented, as is a selection of suggested animal welfare initiatives resulting from the findings of this study.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext What can law do to combat obesity in Malaysia?

Sia, Chin Chin, Duraisingam T. J.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(102):42-42.
MyJurnal

Introduction: The obesity rate in Malaysia is increasing exponentially. This is alarming as obesity in a population is likely to lead to health complications and negatively impact national economic productivity. The quality of health of our country is of paramount importance to a sustainable nation. To safeguard the health of our population in this country, there are current laws and potential laws to be implemented to combat obesity. In Malaysia, the government have introduced ‘soft policies’ approach such as Healthy life style programmes and campaigns as means to curb obesity yet its impact is questionable. ‘Hard policies’, such as regulations (e.g. imposing a tax, removal of subsidies, reduction of operational hours of eateries, menu-labelling, curbing of marketing of unhealthy food, implementation of pedestrian and bicycle paths, metabo laws) may be used as legitimate interventions to combat obesity in Malaysia. The aims of this paper is to (i) analyse the legal justifications for implementation of obesity prevention regulations, (ii) to compare and contrast the pros and cons of current and potential obesity prevention regulations to reduce obesity. Results and Conclusion: The law could be used to facilitate promotion of public health. In light of new scientific advances, gaps in the current regulatory framework, and the increasingly obesogenic environment, this paper proposes
potential legal approaches to address obesity in Malaysia. It is important for legal scholars to devise innovative strategies to address obesity from new perspectives. The great potential for the law to rectify the status quo has yet to be fully explored. With reduction of obesity, the fiscal burden of the nation on medical bills could be reduced and productivity could be increased.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Community-based approach for a flood preparedness plan in Malaysia

Shariff NNM, Hamidi ZS

Jamba, 2019;11(1):598.
PMID: 30863510 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v11i1.598

Floods have caused inevitable major disasters around the world as well as in Malaysia. This paper demonstrates that lessons can be taken from the previous flood disasters when developing an effective flood preparedness plan. As a common practice, disaster management is based on a top-down approach or is government-centred. This article attempts to highlight the significance of developing a flood preparedness plan by involving the communities affected. Qualitative analysis was adopted in order to gain in-depth insight of the communities. Two flood-prone communities were chosen: (1) Machang, Kelantan; and (2) Kuala Lipis, Pahang. There were two important things executed by the community for the preparation: (1) community-based disaster risk management; and (2) intensive mutual assistance.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext The roles and challenges of the national language in uniting the various ethnic groups in Sabah

Sharifah Darmia Sharif Adam

Malaysian Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2019;4(4):1-11.
MyJurnal

This paper discusses the roles and challenges of the national language, which is Malay as a language in
uniting the various ethnic groups in Sabah. On September 16, 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was
officially declared which comprised of the Malay States, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. In line with
that, the special provisions on the national language in Sabah are contained in Article 161 of the
national constitution. Although the provision of the constitution clarify that Sabah was given a 10-year
period to use Malay and English as the official languages but later on September 16, 1973 the Malay language was declared the sole official language for the state of Sabah. Hence, various efforts have
been made by the government to ensure the national language can play its role as a language that can
unite the various ethnic groups in Sabah. However, ethnic diversity with their own ethnic mother
tongue languages has resulted in the Malay language as a national language as well as the language of
unity to face many challenges. Therefore, the discussion in this paper is focused on policies undertaken
by the government to strengthen the national language in various fields in Sabah and the challenges
faced by the national language to foster unity among the various ethnic communities in the state. This
study was conducted using a qualitative analysis approach and used archive study methods as well as
library study to obtain research information sources. This study will produce an analysis that can be
used as a reference to improve or formulate policies particularly in matters that benefit in strengthening
the multi-ethnic communities in Sabah.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Paper review of factors, surveillance and burden of food borne disease outbreak in Malaysia

Sharifa Ezat, W.P., Netty, D., Sangaran, G.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2013;13(2):98-105.
MyJurnal

Food borne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, dysentery and food poisoning occur as the results of ingestion of foodstuffs contaminated with microorganisms or chemical. The true incidence of food borne disease in Malaysia is unknown, however the incidence is low ranging from 1.56 to 0.14 cases per 100,000 population and the food poisoning cases is on the rise as the evident by the incident rate of 62.47 cases per 100,000 population in 2008 and 36.17 in 2009. The rapid population growth and demographic shift toward ageing population, changing eating habit such as consumption of raw or lightly cooked food, long storage of such food, lack of education on basic rules of hygienic food preparation and food trading without appropriate microbiological safety procedure become contributing factors for food borne diseases. Food borne disease in Malaysia is in the rise and the direct and indirect cost management of FBD will become one of the most common issues to face by the government. The world is spending millions and millions in cost of treatment due to food borne diseases. The information on this paper was collected via findings of previous journals, data and statistics from the MOH of Malaysia and WHO websites. As a result, authors found that the prevention and management of the food borne disease outbreak needs to be addressed seriously.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
4-(N-Hydroxyethyl-N-methylamino)benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone

Shanmuga Sundara Raj S, Fun HK, Zhang XJ, Tian YP, Xie FX, Ma JL

Acta Crystallogr C, 2000 Oct;56 (Pt 10):1238-9.
PMID: 11025310

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(11)H(16)N(4)OS, the phenyl ring and the thiosemicarbazone moiety from a dihedral angle of 7.7 (1) degrees. The crystal structure is governed by N-H.O and O-H.S hydrogen bonds leading to the formation of a two-dimensional network.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Experience repatriation of citizens from epicentre using commercial flights during COVID-19 pandemic

Shaikh Abdul Karim S, Md Tahir FA, Mohamad UK, Abu Bakar M, Mohamad KN, Suleiman M, et al.

Int J Emerg Med, 2020 Oct 28;13(1):50.
PMID: 33115412 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-020-00308-7

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries instituted closure of borders from international and local travels. Stranded citizens appeal to their governments to embark on citizen repatriation missions. Between February and April 2020, the Government of Malaysia directed repatriation of its citizens from China, Iran, Italy and Indonesia. We describe the preparation and execution of the repatriation mission using chartered commercial aircraft. The mission objectives were to repatriate as many citizens based on aircraft capacity and prevent onboard transmission of the disease to flight personnel.
RESULTS: Five repatriation missions performed was led by the National Agency for Disaster Management (NADMA) with the Ministry of Health providing technical expertise. A total of 432 citizens were repatriated from the missions. The operations were divided into four phases: the pre-boarding screening phase, the boarding and in-flight phase, the reception phase and the quarantine phase. The commercial aircraft used were from two different commercial airlines. Each mission had flight crew members between 10 and 17 people. There were 82 positive cases detected among the repatriated citizens. There was a single positive case of a healthcare worker involved in the mission, based on the sample taken on arrival of the flight. There were no infections involving flight team members.
CONCLUSION: Medical flight crew must be familiar with aircraft fittings that differ from one commercial airline to another as it influences infection control practices. A clear understanding of socio-political situation of a country, transmission routes of a pathogen, disease presentation, and knowledge of aviation procedures, aircraft engineering and design is of great importance in preparing for such missions. Our approach of multidiscipline team involvement managed to allow us to provide and execute the operations successfully.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext An outbreak of diarrhoea among neonates in a private hospital in Kedah, Malaysia

Shahidan, H., Mahani, Y., Noriah, B., Haw, A.B.

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2003;3(1):42-47.
MyJurnal

A diarrhoea outbreak had occurred among neonates delivered in a private hospital in Kedah from 15 August to 8 September 2002 involving 27 (55.1%) cases out of a total of 49 deliveries. Thirteen of them (48.1%) were admitted to either government or private hospitals for treatnzent while fourteen of them (51.9%) were managed at home. The main presenting feature was frequent yellowish to greenish watery stool not associated with vomitting. Investigations include active case finding, environmental inspection, sampling of stool specimens, identifying causative agents and identuying human carriers. All the diarrhoea eases (100%) were noted to have received infant formula feeding while in the private hospital. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated hom the milk scoop which was used for milk preparation. Nasal swabs of four (50%) nursing personnel were also positive for Staphylococcus aureus. One of them was positive for methycilline resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The milk and water samples showed no signuicant bacterial contamination. Stool samples of these cases were negative for Rotavirus, Vibrio sp., Salmonella sp., Shigella sp. and Entamoeba coli. This outbreak of diarrhoea was noted to have a strong association with infant formula feeding in the hospital. Breastfeeding should be continuously promoted. Baby friendly hospital initiatives in private hospital settings need to be initiated.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Sustainable management using recycle and reuse of construction waste materials in Malaysia

Shaharin Hamid, Che Maznah Mat Isa, Shamer N. Felix, Nur Kamaliah Mustaffa

ESTEEM Academic Journal, 2020;16(1):47-58.
MyJurnal

Ineffective construction waste management has become a serious problem that impacted significantly to environmental pollutions especially in a developing country like Malaysia. Despite the enactment of law by the government, Malaysia is still far behind as compared to other countries like Denmark and Hong Kong in terms of implementation of recycling and reuse of construction waste. Recycling and reuse of waste materials seems to be a profitable method that will boost the
lifetime of landfills and cut down the usage of virgin natural resources. This paper discusses the practices of recycling and reuse of construction waste materials in the Klang Valley. A questionnaire survey was administered to 117 respondents from construction companies. The most common types of construction waste materials that can be recycled and reused are concrete, metal, asphalt, brick, plastic, cardboard, timber and glass. A descriptive analysis using Relative Important Index (RII) was used to rank the items asked in the survey. It was found that the most frequent types of recycling and reuse of construction waste materials based on ranking is timber,
while the key benefit of recycle and reuse of construction waste is reduction of landfill space. On the other hand, the key challenge that affects recycling and reuse of construction waste is the risk of contamination. This study is beneficial for all parties involved in construction activities to achieve a more sustainable construction in Malaysia and throughout the world.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia: Actions taken by the Malaysian government

Shah AUM, Safri SNA, Thevadas R, Noordin NK, Rahman AA, Sekawi Z, et al.

Int J Infect Dis, 2020 Aug;97:108-116.
PMID: 32497808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.093

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a novel pneumonia disease originating in Wuhan, was confirmed by the World Health Organization on January 12, 2020 before becoming an outbreak in all countries.
OUTBREAK SITUATION: A stringent screening process at all airports in Malaysia was enforced after the first case outside China was reported in Thailand. Up to April 14, 2020, Malaysia had reported two waves of COVID-19 cases, with the first wave ending successfully within less than 2 months. In early March 2020, the second wave occurred, with worrying situations.
ACTIONS TAKEN: The Government of Malaysia enforced a Movement Control Order starting on March 18, 2020 to break the chain of COVID-19. The media actively spread the hashtag #stayhome. Non-governmental organizations, as well as prison inmates, started to produce personal protective equipment for frontliners. Various organizations hosted fundraising events to provide essentials mainly to hospitals. A provisional hospital was set up and collaborations with healthcare service providers were granted, while additional laboratories were assigned to enhance the capabilities of the Ministry of Health.
ECONOMIC DOWNTURN: An initial financial stimulus amounting to RM 20.0 billion was released in February 2020, before the highlighted PRIHATIN Package, amounting to RM 250 billion, was announced. The PRIHATIN Package has provided governmental support to society, covering people of various backgrounds from students and families to business owners.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Nexus between corporate social responsibility and financial and non-financial sectors' performance: a non-linear and disaggregated approach

Shabbir MS, Aslam E, Irshad A, Bilal K, Aziz S, Abbasi BA, et al.

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int, 2020 Nov;27(31):39164-39179.
PMID: 32642899 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09972-x

The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) as proxy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and corporate firm's performance (CFP) in the context of Pakistani financial and non-financial firms sectors. This study comprises two main firm's performance indicators such as market base (excess stock returns) and accounting base (returns on assets and returns on capital). The data set starts from 2011 to 2017 and consists of three hundred and fifty (350) firms on equal numbers of financial and non-financial firms. This study uses a non-linear and disaggregated approach for data analysis. The results of the linear model indicate that CSP and returns on capital have a negative relationship, while the non-linear model of CSP and accounting base performance as CFP have positive association in the domain of long run. There is a significant relationship that exist among environmental social governance (ESG) disclosure score, government sub-components score, and social performance. However, a U-shaped association found between CFP and government sub-components, which further suggest that governance has a vital role toward CSP and CFP components.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Weight loss practice using physical activity among working women in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Sena Abdullah Abdul Jabbar Al-Qalah, Hasanain Faisal Ghazi, Zaleha Md.Isa, Norimah A. Karim

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine, 2014;14(3):0-0.
MyJurnal

An increase in physical activity is a key component for effective weight loss. It helps to control weight loss by using excess calories as well as boosting metabolism and lowering insulin levels. Physical activity also helps prevent many chronic diseases and improve the overall human health. The objective of this study was to assess weight loss practice using physical activity strategies among working women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 639 adult Malaysian working women were screened and 120 respondents were identified based on their experience of losing at least 10% of their highest lifetime body weight, which is a criterion for successful weight-loss. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information from 120 successful weight loss respondents. Physical activity was measured by using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short version. Results showed that 35.8% of women had low physical activity level; slightly above than one third of women (38.3%) had moderate activity level, while 25.8% women had high physical activity level.The most common physical activity monitoring strategies implemented were exercise at least 30 minutes per day (22.5%) and incorporate physical activity into daily life (21.7%). A total of 70.8% women regained weight after significant weight loss. A total of 40.0% who regained weight as compared to 25.7% of those who did not regain weight were physically inactive (p=0.138). There was no statistically significant different in daily sitting time between the two groups (p=0.627). As a conclusion, government working women in Kuala Lumpur have low to moderate physical activity levels. Majority women regained weight after significant weight loss. Common strategies to lose weight are exercise at least 30 minutes per day and incorporate physical activity into daily life. More education and promotion regarding the importance of physical activity should be done to all community members especially to the government working women.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Factors influences crude herbs use among patients with chronic diseases attending a government health clinic: a cross-sectional survey

Saw, Y. Y., Rajendran, D., Alicia, L. M. L., Chan, Y. L., Chow, Z. S., Roslan, A. Z., et al.

Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2019;15(102):52-52.
MyJurnal

Introduction: Crude herbs can be defined as raw plants materials (e.g. leaves, flowers, roots, etc.) which are not being/minimally processed or dried. Globally, particularly in Malaysia, the use of crude herbs has been increasing. The reasons were as an ailment of diseases underlying conditions and for general wellbeing. In this study, our aim was to investigate factors influences crude herbs use among older patients with chronic diseases. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using purposive sampling among patients attended government health clinic
at Klinik Kesihatan Kampar, Perak. Self-designed questionnaires were used to collect data and data was analysed using SPSS software (ver. 23). Results: A total of 441 participants were enrolled in this study, the response rate was 71.35%. Demographic characteristics of patients who consume crude herbs were; female (57.25%), Malays (45.06%), age between 50-59 years old (31.96%), secondary education level (49.1%), and earned income less than RM3000 (93.27%). Female gender was found associated with the use of crude herbs (p < 0.05). Other socio-demographic characteristics, such as age, race, education level, and salary range found not associated with crude herbs (p > 0.05). The common reasons given by patients to use crude herbs were; family influence, effectiveness in reducing sugar, and accessible and cheaper compared to commercialised herbal drugs. The prevalence of crude herbs use,
particularly among ageing patients is alarming. The physicians need to take into account on crude herbs used when prescribing medications. The use of crude herbs can be beneficial but yet can be detrimental if it is consumed while on prescribed medications. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that the survey area needs to broaden to other parts of Malaysia, particularly rural is warranted.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Perbandingan tahap kualiti hidup bagi warga emas yang mendapatkan perkhidmatan di pusat aktiviti warga emas (PAWE) di kawasan bandar dan luar bandar

Sarin J, Khadijah A, Mohd Suhaimi M

Jurnal Psikologi Malaysia, 2018;32:82-90.

The quality of life is an indicator of well-being that is seen as important in the establishment of policies to improve the welfare of senior citizens. The establishment of the Elderly Activity Center (PAWE) in urban and rural areas throughout Malaysia is one of the government's initiatives in preparation to be an old country by 2030. Nevertheless, since the establishment of PAWE in 2001, there has been scarce research about services provided to senior citizens at PAWE. Therefore, this study is conducted to identify level of quality of life among senior citizens at PAWE in urban and rural areas. The survey was conducted on 156 respondents in four PAWE locations namely PAWE Sungai Buloh, PAWE Cheras, PAWE Jenjarom and PAWE Sabak Bernam. The data were collected by using Older People Quality of Life (OPQOL-35) questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) by using descriptive analysis to identify the quality of life according to the respondents' demographic information. The results showed that the quality of life among urban respondents were higher than rural respondents, quality of life of male respondents were higher than female respondents while the quality of life among Chinese respondents was higher than Malay and Indian respondents. For the quality of life according to age, respondents aged 71 to 80 years were higher in qulity of life level than respondents aged 60 to 70 years and 81 to 90 years. This study is expected to give impact on the awareness to concerned parties about the advantages of community-based activity center which can increase the qualilty of life among elderly.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext The impact of government incentives on financial viability of selected aquaculture species in Malaysia

Sara, R.R., Ismail, M.M., Kamarulzaman, N.H., Mohamed, Z.A.

International Food Research Journal, 2014;21(4):1451-1456.
MyJurnal

Aquaculture businesses in Malaysia require careful and comprehensive financial analysis to be successful. Comprehensive financial analysis has three key components, namely financial position, profitability and liquidity/cash flow. This research focuses on using pro forma income statements to analyze financial positions and to evaluate the effect of government incentives on sustainability of Malaysian aquaculture farms. This paper is divided into two sections; the first section discusses and provides the finding and comparability of the financial analysis on freshwater and brackish water producers. In the first section, the discussion was based on financial viability criteria, namely net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit cost ratio (BCR)) for base study. The evaluation process was carried out using four different phases; base study and government incentives simulations, Pioneer Status (PS), Investment Tax Allowance (ITA), and Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for effectiveness of government incentives and roles in increase of profitability and production. The results showed that in all brackish water farms, NPV after the ACA incentive showed a higher and positive value comparable to individual PS and ITA. The effect of Government Incentive on Penaeus vannamei and Grouper showed that IRR and NPV on ACA (based on PS) is 2% and 9%, respectively higher than ACA (based on ITA). Meanwhile, in Barramundi farming ACA (based on ITA) was 8% higher than ACA (based on PS). The results on freshwater showed that ACA (based on ITA) on Tilapia and Catfish was 8% and 6% higher than ACA (based on PS). This paper concludes that the aquaculture operators should choose to accept PS with ACA on Penaeus vannamei and Grouper and choose ACA based on ITA on Barramundi, Tilapia and Catfish in order to maximize private profitability.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext An Evaluation of Malaysian Regulatory Process for New Active Substances Approved in 2017 Using the OpERA Methodology

Sani NM, McAuslane N, Kasbon SH, Ahmad R, Yusof FAM, Patel P

Ther Innov Regul Sci, 2020 Sep;54(5):1215-1224.
PMID: 32865804 DOI: 10.1007/s43441-020-00140-4

INTRODUCTION: The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) embarked on a regulatory-strengthening program and is evaluating its processes. Optimising Efficiencies in Regulatory Agencies (OpERA) is a regulatory-strengthening program that provides benchmarking data that can define performance targets and focus performance improvement. The objective of this study was to use OpERA methodology to determine where time is spent in the NPRA approval process and to form a baseline to measure the performance improvements.
METHODS: The OpERA tool was used to collect specific milestone data that identify time periods, review stages, and data points for new active substances and biosimilars approved by NPRA in 2017.
RESULTS: In 2017, 25 new active substances and 1 biosimilar were approved by NPRA in a median of 515 days, representing both agency and applicant time. The median time between dossier receipt and the initiation of NPRA scientific assessment was 135 days, but there was a wide variation in queuing time. The median total assessment time was 279 days (agency and applicant timing). NPRA took a median of 166 days; applicants took a median of 131 days to respond to deficiency questions, with up to 6 cycles of review required for approval and 65% of applications requiring 4-5 cycles to provide satisfactory responses.
CONCLUSIONS: As a result of these data, NPRA proposes three improvements: target start for scientific assessment 100 days after file acceptance, a maximum of 5 review cycles, and applicant response time limited to 6 months. These results will serve as a baseline for further assessment.

Matched MeSH terms: Government Agencies
Fulltext Eliminating malaria in Malaysia: the role of partnerships between the public and commercial sectors in Sabah

Sanders KC, Rundi C, Jelip J, Rashman Y, Smith Gueye C, Gosling RD

Malar J, 2014;13:24.
PMID: 24443824 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-13-24

Countries in the Asia Pacific region have made great progress in the fight against malaria; several are rapidly approaching elimination. However, malaria control programmes operating in elimination settings face substantial challenges, particularly around mobile migrant populations, access to remote areas and the diversity of vectors with varying biting and breeding behaviours. These challenges can be addressed through subnational collaborations with commercial partners, such as mining or plantation companies, that can conduct or support malaria control activities to cover employees. Such partnerships can be a useful tool for accessing high-risk populations and supporting malaria elimination goals.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Workplace Bullying Among Junior Doctors in Malaysia: A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study

Samsudin EZ, Isahak M, Rampal S, Rosnah I, Zakaria MI

Malays J Med Sci, 2021 Apr;28(2):142-156.
PMID: 33958968 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2021.28.2.13

Background: Research suggests that junior doctors often experience workplace bullying, which may have adverse impacts on medical training and delivery of quality healthcare. However, evidence among local population has not been established. The present study aims to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying among Malaysian junior doctors and explore its associated sociodemographic and employment factors.
Methods: A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 government hospitals accredited for housemanship training within the central zone of Malaysia. The study included a total of 1,074 house officers who had been working for at least 6 months in various housemanship rotations. The Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) was used to examine workplace bullying.
Results: The 6-month prevalence of workplace bullying among study participants was 13%. Work-related bullying such as 'being ordered to do work below your level of competence', person-related bullying such as 'being humiliated or ridiculed in connection with your work', and physically intimidating bullying such as 'being shouted at or being the target of spontaneous anger' were commonly reported by study participants. Medical officers were reported to be the commonest perpetrators of negative actions at the workplace. Study participants who graduated from Eastern European medical schools (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27, 4.07) and worked in surgical-based rotation (AOR 1.83; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.97) had higher odds of bullying compared to those who graduated from local medical schools and worked in medical-based rotation, whereas study participants with good English proficiency (AOR 0.14; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.94) had lower odds of bullying compared to those with poor English proficiency.
Conclusion: The present study shows that workplace bullying is prevalent among Malaysian junior doctors. Considering the gravity of its consequences, impactful strategies should be developed and implemented promptly in order to tackle this serious occupational hazard.

Matched MeSH terms: Government
Fulltext Organization as a support system among revert clients in Malaysia

Samsiah Jayos, Faizah Abd Ghani, Lokman Mohd Tahir, Kamarul Azmi Jasmi, Nur Fatihah Abdullah Bandar

Journal of Cognitive Sciences & Human Development, 2017;3(1):41-46.
MyJurnal

It is significant for the reverts to have an existing helping organization. Therefore, this study aims to identify organizational issues that are directly and indirectly involved with counsellors at the Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study utilizes a qualitative approach by using the case study method. This study involved five (5) counsellors from Council of Islamic Religious Department in Malaysia. This study used the N'Vivo 10.0 for the data analysis to develop themes and sub-themes that related to this study. The findings showed that there are two (2) sub themes involved both government and non-government. There are six (6) sub-sub themes for the government which are Jabatan Agama Islam, Jabatan Mufti, Pusat Dakwah Islamiah, Pusat Kaunseling MAINS Negeri Sembilan, Jabatan Kehakiman and Baitulmal. While, non-government has ten (10) sub-sub themes; Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, Unit Saudara Baru, Unit Ukhuwah, Pusat Saudara Baru Darul Saadah, Darul Ukhuwah Yayasan Kasih Sayang, Volunteer Body, Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (MACMA), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Islam Malaysia (PERKIM), PERKAMA and Skuad Mubaligh Seremban. In conclusion, this study could be used as a guide for counsellors to provide guidance and counselling services to revert clients.

Matched MeSH terms: Government

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