Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development
The Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development (JISED) is an academic, refereed journal published quarterly. JISED publishes articles and theoretical reviews. JISED aims to address conceptual paper, book & article review, theoretical and empirical research issues that impact the development of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development as an educational and scientific discipline, and promote its efficiency in the economic, social and cultural contexts. The publication for this refereed journal are quarterly (March, June, September and December). The journal aims to publish all quality submission in time to ensure the impact of humanities research quickly conveyed, examined, and disseminated worldwide. Simultaneously, it visions to become the benchmark for the research and publications in all the fields of tourism, hospitality and environment management and to promote the superior standards globally. This journal uses double-blind review, which means that both the reviewer and author identities are concealed from the reviewers, and vice versa, throughout the review process. To facilitate this, authors need to ensure that their manuscripts are prepared in a way that does not give away their identity.
The impact of FinTech adoption, digital payments, and transparency on zakat towards income contributions
Zakat on income is a fundamental Islamic financial obligation that promotes social justice and assists marginalised communities. Despite well-organised zakat institutions in Malaysia, challenges persist regarding compliance, accessibility, and public trust. Financial technology (FinTech) has emerged as a potential mechanism to enhance zakat collection by improving convenience, efficiency, and transparency. This study examines the influence of FinTech adoption, digital payment systems, and transparency on zakat on income contributions among Muslim income earners in Penang. A quantitative design was used, involving 384 respondents selected through non-probability sampling. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate that FinTech adoption significantly enhances zakat contribution behaviour by improving ease of use and accessibility. Digital payment systems further increase the efficiency and frequency of payments, while transparency mechanisms such as real-time tracking and automated receipts) strengthen donor trust and compliance. The study highlights the critical role of digital innovation in modernising Islamic social finance and offers policy recommendations for enhancing zakat governance through Shariah-compliant FinTech solutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Islamic, Social, Economics and Development
Understanding students' spending behaviour: Integrating financial literacy, economic factors and lifestyle influence
This study investigates the spending behavior of students at UiTM Kelantan, focusing on the impact of five potential determinants: financial literacy, price elasticity, habit/personal interest, family income, and social media influence. A total of 144 students participated, and data were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to identify significant predictors of spending behavior. The results indicate that financial literacy, price elasticity, and habit/personal interest significantly influence students’ spending patterns, while family income and social media exposure were not significant. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing financial literacy and understanding personal consumption habits to promote responsible spending among students.
Research trends in fear of missing out (FOMO) and mental health: A bibliometric analysis (2016-2026)
Fear of Missing Out, or FoMO, has become an emerging topic in academic circles, especially because of its strong ties to social media and its negative impact on mental health. Even though there has been a surge in research on this subject, it still lacks a thorough overview of the global research landscape, collaboration patterns, and the key themes surrounding FoMO and mental health. Therefore, this bibliometric analysis focuses on the growth of publications, international collaborations, and the main research themes. A total of 79 documents sourced from the Scopus database were identified and published between 2016 and 2026 using a structured screening process. VOSviewer was utilized to examine publication trends, co-authorship networks among countries, and patterns of keyword co-occurrence. The results show consistent and significant rise in publications about FoMO and mental health during the study period, indicating a growing academic interest in this area. The co-authorship analysis across 50 countries revealed 16 nations that met the minimum publication threshold, showcasing active international collaboration. The United States, China, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom stood out as key contributors. The keyword co-occurrence analysis identified 55 high-frequency keywords, which were organized into three main clusters, with “fear of missing out” being the most prominent term. Other notable keywords included social media, anxiety, depression, addiction, adolescent, adult, psychology, and young adult, underscoring the close relationship between FoMO, social media usage, addictive behaviours, and mental health outcomes. The findings highlight the pivotal role of social media use and addiction in shaping FoMO experiences and psychological health, while also revealing some gaps in methodology and geography within the literature.
Food insecurity levels among prison officers in Malaysia: Do socio-economic factors matter?
This study examines the prevalence and socio-demographic determinants of food insecurity among lower-ranking, low-income (B40) prison officers in Malaysia. Although civil servants are generally perceived to have stable employment, increasing living costs, dependence on imported food, and inflation continue to threaten household food security. A multi-stage random sampling technique was employed across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires from 420 prison officers who met the inclusion criteria of having a household income below RM5,249 per month and at least three years of service. Food security status was assessed using a six-item instrument adapted from the Malaysian Adult Nutrition Survey (MANS) 2014. Descriptive findings showed that most respondents were male (91.7%), aged between 20 and 30 years (63.3%), Malay (64.8%), and possessed STPM or Diploma qualifications (67.6%). More than half of the respondents (55.0%) earned between RM1,500 and RM2,000 monthly and served mainly as entry-level Prison Wardens (58.6%) with less than five years of service. The study revealed that 89.5% of households were at risk of food insecurity. Common coping strategies included reducing meal portions (54.8%) and purchasing inexpensive, low-nutrient foods for children (18.6%). Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that age and length of service were significant negative predictors of food insecurity. Length of service (β = -0.535, p = 0.001) and age (β = -0.412, p = 0.022) were associated with greater financial resilience, whereas household size showed no significant effect. The findings suggest that policy interventions should prioritise younger and newly recruited officers through targeted food assistance, welfare support, and improved wage structures to reduce food insecurity among low-income prison officers in Malaysia.
Emotional intelligence and organizational citizenship behavior among Islamic government servants: The moderating role of spiritual intelligence
Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) plays a vital role in enhancing organizational effectiveness, particularly in public sector institutions that operate under strict hierarchical and ethical frameworks such as the Ministry of Defence. Emotional Intelligence (EI) has been widely recognized as a key predictor of positive workplace behavior, while Spiritual Intelligence (SI) is increasingly acknowledged as a critical personal resource influencing employee attitudes and conduct. This pilot study examines the relationship between EI and OCB and investigates the moderating role of SI among Islamic government servants in the Ministry of Defence, Kuala Lumpur. Data were collected using Google Forms from 30 civilian staff members and analyzed using SPSS version 28. Results indicate that EI is positively and significantly associated with OCB, and SI strengthens the relationship between EI and OCB. These findings provide preliminary empirical support for integrating emotional and spiritual development programs in Islamic public sector organizations. The study contributes to the growing literature on workplace spirituality and emotional competencies in public administration and offers implications for human resource development in defense-related institutions.
The relationship between financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial planning and financial security among workers: A pilot study
Financial literacy has become a critical determinant of individual economic well-being and national financial stability. The financial literacy is multidimensional, typically encompassing financial knowledge, financial planning and financial attitudes .This study examines the relationship between financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial planning and financial security among workers. A pilot study was conducted involving 53 respondents from various occupational and income backgrounds. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and ANOVA were employed to analyze the study. The findings indicate that respondents demonstrate relatively high levels of financial planning (M = 3.98) and financial knowledge (M = 3.88), while financial attitudes recorded comparatively lower scores (M = 2.89). The correlation analysis reveals strong and statistically significant positive relationships among the main constructs. Financial planning exhibits a very strong association with financial knowledge (r = .802, p < .001) and financial security (r = .822, p < .001). These findings suggest that planning behaviour serves as a crucial mechanism translating financial knowledge into financial security outcomes. Policy implications emphasize the need for income-sensitive financial planning and behaviour reinforcement strategies to promote sustainable financial well-being.
Overskilling and human capital underutilisation in contemporary labour markets: A conceptual review
Overskilling, defined as the inadequate use of a worker's skills relative to job requirements, is becoming more common in today's labour markets. This pattern raises substantial issues about the efficacy of investments in education and training. The paper examines existing research and policies to help people better understand overskilling and its connections to related concepts. It combines ideas from interpretive labour economics and offers a conceptual framework that connects the causes, processes, and effects of overskilling. Despite continuous investments in education and skill development, numerous economies encounter challenges, such as graduate underemployment and skill mismatches, resulting in the inefficient utilisation of human capital. The review provides the definition of overskilling, examines its underlying causes and effects, and underscores gaps in the current knowledge. Through the development of a framework, the study demonstrates the interconnection between the expansion of education, labour market changes, and the underutilisation of human capital. Moreover, it analyses the broader implications of overskilling for sustainable economic growth, underscoring the necessity for policymakers, especially in emerging and developing countries, to enhance skill utilisation. The study provides a thorough overview of various observations concerning overskilling and lays the groundwork for future empirical research and policy initiatives aimed at addressing this significant issue.
Entrepreneurship education as a catalyst for entrepreneurial interest among school students: A conceptual framework grounded in social cognitive theory
: School-level entrepreneurship education remains underdeveloped despite evidence that entrepreneurial dispositions form during formative years rather than at higher education entry. Existing scholarship concentrates on university populations, leaving the cognitive mechanisms linking educational exposure to motivational engagement insufficiently theorised among younger learners. This paper develops a conceptual framework grounded in Social Cognitive Theory, positioning entrepreneurship education as an environmental stimulus that strengthens entrepreneurial knowledge through observational learning, environmental influence, and self-efficacy development, which in turn cultivates entrepreneurial interest among school students. Three propositions link entrepreneurship education to entrepreneurial knowledge, entrepreneurial knowledge to entrepreneurial interest, and entrepreneurship education directly to entrepreneurial interest. The framework extends Social Cognitive Theory to the school level, introduces entrepreneurial knowledge as an explicit mediating construct, and provides a theoretically grounded foundation for future empirical inquiry within the Malaysian context.
Assessing the role of resource based view (RBV) theory in determining micro-enterprises' performances: A conceptual analysis
Micro-enterprises become the most numerous forms of business organization worldwide and play a critical role in employment generation and local economic development. Despite their numerical dominance, they frequently experience high mortality rates and persistent performance constraints. While the Resource-Based View (RBV) has been widely used to explain firm performance, its foundational assumptions—particularly those concerning firm boundaries, resource ownership, and strategic stability—are not fully aligned with the structural realities of micro-enterprises. This conceptual paper assesses the applicability of RBV in explaining micro-enterprise performance and proposes an extension of the theory. Building on recent developments in RBV and entrepreneurship research, the paper develops an integrated conceptual framework comprising four interrelated components: resource categories (tangible, intangible, and hybrid individual–firm resources), entrepreneurial capabilities, resource orchestration processes, and multidimensional performance outcomes. The framework emphasizes the central role of the owner-manager, reconceptualizes resources as hybrid and context dependent, and incorporates dynamic adaptation through resource orchestration. It further recognizes contextual embeddedness as a boundary condition shaping resource value and utilization. By extending RBV to account for informality, managerial agency, and dynamic recombination, the study enhances its theoretical relevance for micro-enterprise contexts. The framework provides a structured foundation for future empirical research and offers policy and practical insights for strengthening micro-enterprise performance in resource-constrained environments.
The influence of leadership styles on employee performance in state administration
: Leadership style is widely recognised as a critical determinant of organisational success, especially in the context of public administration. This study examined the influence of three leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and servant leadership—on employee performance at The Kelantan State Government Secretary’s Office (KSGSO). Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 140 employees across all departments. From the study findings, it was found that employee performance at KSGSO was low. For leadership styles, all styles showed a significant positive relationship with employee performance. In addition, transformational leadership showed a moderate influence and for transactional and servant leadership were proven to have a strong relationship with employee performance. However, servant leadership was assessed as the strongest contributor in this study. Therefore, practising empowerment promotion among employees, setting objectives, and mentoring programs are necessary for transformational leadership while digital transformation and optimising work processes are essential to improve efficiency in operations and communication in public sector organisations.
Measuring technology addiction among part-time students in UiTM Kota Bharu
The digital revolution has fundamentally altered the global educational landscape, with technology now permeating every facet of student life. While essential for modern business literacy, this "always-on" culture fosters a precarious dual nature, particularly among part-time students at the Faculty of Business and Management (FBM) in UiTM Kota Bharu. This study investigates the factors influencing technology addiction, examining the roles of emotional intelligence, psychological well-being, and technology usage. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational research design was adopted, utilizing a structured questionnaire distributed to 124 respondents selected via simple random sampling. Results indicate moderate levels for all variables: Emotional Intelligence (M = 3.58), Psychological Well-Being (M = 3.53), Technology Usage (M = 2.96), and Technology Addiction (M = 3.01). Pearson Correlation analysis revealed significant and positive relationships between the independent variables and the dependent variable. Notably, Emotional Intelligence demonstrated a very strong correlation with technology addiction (r = .974), while Psychological Well-Being (r = .672) and Technology Usage (r = .759) showed strong positive correlations. This research highlights the critical need for academic interventions to bolster internal resilience and emotional regulation among future business leaders to mitigate digital dependency.
Exploring communication management strategies in managing communication crisis: A qualitative study in Malaysia's service sector
Communication crisis inside organizations can profoundly impact employee performance, satisfaction, and organizational stability. This study investigates the function of communication management methods in mitigating communication crisis among customer care officer in Malaysia's service industry. Efficient communication management guarantees the precise and timely delivery of pertinent information, so enhancing job satisfaction, bolstering employee commitment, and diminishing turnover intentions. A qualitative study methodology was employed to investigate employees' experiences during communication crises. Data were gathered via comprehensive interviews with eighg individuals from various service sectors in Malaysia. The interview data were transcribed and analyzed with ATLAS.ti to discern important themes pertaining to communication management methods in emergencies. The findings underscore the significance of organized communication tactics in alleviating adverse effects, including employee stress, anxiety, and diminishing morale. This study presents a Communication Management Strategies Model to assist organizations in more successfully handling internal communication crises based on these findings. The proposed paradigm offers pragmatic insights for public and private sector organizations aiming to enhance crisis communication and elevate employee happiness.
A descriptive analysis of Shariah-compliant digital payment usage among Generation Z in Malaysia
The rapid growth of digital payment technologies has accelerated the shift toward cashless transactions, particularly among younger consumers. In Muslim-majority countries such as Malaysia, this development has increased interest in Shariah-compliant payment technology, which emphasises ethical financial practices and adherence to Islamic principles. Despite the prominence of Generation Z as a key user group of digital payments, empirical evidence on how demographic characteristics shape their intention to adopt Shariah-compliant payment technology remains limited. This study aims to examine demographic differences in Generation Z’s intention to adopt Shariah-compliant payment technology in Malaysia. Using a quantitative, survey-based research design, data were collected from 437 Generation Z respondents across Malaysia through an online questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS, employing independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analysis to assess differences in adoption intention across selected demographic factors, including gender, religion, age, education level, monthly income, ethnic group, and marital status. The findings reveal that adoption intention varies significantly across several demographic categories, indicating that Generation Z is not a homogeneous group in its acceptance of Shariah-compliant payment technology. The results contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on demographic-based differences in Shariah-compliant PayTech adoption, an area that has received limited scholarly attention. From a practical perspective, the findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, Islamic financial institutions, and PayTech providers in developing targeted strategies and inclusive digital payment solutions that align with the diverse demographic profiles of Generation Z consumers in Malaysia.
The influence of talent management on organizational performance of Malaysian public agencies
The study examines the influence of talent management practices, specifically talent acquisition and talent retention on organizational performance within public agencies in Malaysia. It draws upon the Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory as its underlying theoretical framework. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 385 employees, who were selected using a convenience sampling technique. The hypotheses were tested using multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate that talent management has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance, whereby both talent acquisition and talent retention demonstrate strong and statistically significant relationships with performance outcomes. This study represents the first empirical investigation of talent management practices and organizational performance within Malaysian public agencies. Consequently, the results offer valuable insights for public sector officers, as they underscore the importance of implementing effective talent management practices to enhance organizational performance and organizational effectiveness.
Guilt-free shopping? Second-hand fashion and the sustainability paradox
Secondhand fashion is widely promoted as a sustainable solution to fashion goods overproduction and waste by extending product lifespans and supporting circular resource flows. However, limited attention has been given to how consumers experience and rationalise secondhand fashion consumption in everyday life. This study explores the meanings and behavioural patterns associated with secondhand fashion consumption among young adult Muslim consumers in Malaysia, with particular attention to its implications for sustainable consumption. Adopting a phenomenological research design, twelve in-depth interviews were conducted and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. The findings reveal that secondhand fashion consumption is frequently framed as a guilt-free and morally acceptable practice, enabling consumers to justify increased acquisition, emotional shopping, and wardrobe expansion. Rather than reducing overall consumption, secondhand markets can function as a psychological buffer that alleviates guilt while sustaining high consumption intensity. This paradox highlights how sustainability-oriented practices may unintentionally enable overconsumption through moral justification and cognitive rationalisation. By revealing the lived tensions between sustainability ideals and consumption behaviour, this study contributes to sustainability science by critically examining demand-side dynamics within circular fashion systems. The findings offer important implications for policymakers, sustainability advocates, and platform designers seeking to promote responsible consumption beyond recycling and resale, aligning with the broader goals of sustainable resource utilisation under SDG 12.
Understanding visitor travel behaviour in a nature-based tourism destination: Evidence from Gunung Stong, Malaysia
Nature-based tourism destinations are increasingly promoted as instruments for sustainable regional development; however, effective planning requires a sound understanding of visitor travel behaviour. This study examines the travel behaviour of visitors to Gunung Stong, a prominent nature-based tourism destination in Malaysia, with the aim of providing evidence to support sustainable destination management. Using a quantitative survey approach, data were collected from 360 visitors and analysed using descriptive statistics. The analysis focused on key behavioural dimensions, including visit frequency, information sources, length of stay, purpose of visit, travel arrangements, and expectation fulfilment. The findings show that Gunung Stong is predominantly visited by first-time visitors who rely heavily on social media and word of mouth for travel information. Visits are mainly leisure-oriented, characterised by short stays and independent travel arrangements. Importantly, most visitors reported that their experiences met or exceeded expectations. These findings provide valuable insights for destination managers and policymakers in designing sustainable tourism strategies, particularly in managing visitor flows, strengthening digital communication, and enhancing nature-based experiences while minimising environmental impacts.
Sustainable community-based tourism development for marginalised island communities in Kelantan: Evidence from Gugusan Kepulauan Tumpat.
This study explores sustainable tourism development through a Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative in Gugusan Kepulauan Tumpat, Kelantan, with a focus on empowering marginalised island communities. Adopting an exploratory case study approach, the research employs interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and a questionnaire survey involving 29 community members across 10 islands. The study analyses existing community-based economic activities and identifies local tourism resources, which inform the development of a CBT clustering approach comprising three integrated categories: natural heritage, art and cultural heritage, and traditional food. The findings highlight the importance of active community participation, local ownership, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in structuring sustainable CBT initiatives. The proposed clustering framework offers a practical mechanism for enhancing value creation, diversifying livelihoods, and promoting inclusive tourism development, thereby contributing to community empowerment and long-term socio-economic resilience in marginalised island settings.
Transformasi pengajian dakwah digital dalam memperkukuh model pencegahan holistik gejala LGBT remaja di Selangor
Transformasi pendidikan di era digital telah mengubah landskap pengajian dakwah daripada pendekatan konvensional kepada bentuk penyampaian yang lebih interaktif, terbuka dan berasaskan teknologi. Dalam masa yang sama, peningkatan pengaruh gejala sosial berkaitan identiti seksual dalam kalangan remaja menuntut pendekatan pencegahan yang lebih menyeluruh dan responsif terhadap perubahan persekitaran digital. Sehubungan itu, kajian ini bertujuan menganalisis peranan transformasi pengajian dakwah digital dalam memperkukuh Model Pencegahan Holistik terhadap pengaruh gejala LGBT dalam kalangan remaja di Selangor. Kajian menggunakan reka bentuk Design and Development Research (DDR) yang melibatkan analisis keperluan, reka bentuk model dan penilaian kebolehgunaan, manakala kaedah Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) digunakan bagi mendapatkan kesepakatan pakar terhadap komponen serta elemen model. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa integrasi dakwah digital berasaskan nilai Islam berupaya memperkukuh empat komponen utama pencegahan holistik, iaitu individu, keluarga, komuniti dan kerajaan, melalui pengukuhan jati diri, literasi digital beretika, sokongan psikososial serta intervensi pendidikan bersepadu. Kajian ini mencadangkan kerangka dakwah digital holistik sebagai strategi pencegahan awal yang relevan dengan realiti sosial semasa dan berpotensi menyumbang kepada pembangunan dasar, modul intervensi serta inovasi pendidikan Islam berasaskan teknologi di peringkat negeri. Secara keseluruhannya, transformasi pengajian dakwah digital berperanan signifikan dalam memperkukuh daya tahan remaja Muslim terhadap cabaran identiti seksual kontemporari melalui pendekatan yang bersepadu, kontekstual dan berteraskan maqāṣid syariah.
Exploring organizational readiness for lean: Enablers and barriers in public postal services
Lean management has increasingly become a strategic imperative for organizations seeking to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. While traditionally rooted in manufacturing, Lean principles have found relevance in service sectors such as healthcare, education, and logistics. Postal services are undergoing digital and operational transformation to meet evolving customer expectations and competitive pressures. This paper presents a conceptual analysis of the enablers and barriers to Lean implementation in postal services, with specific reference to Pos Malaysia. Drawing from global, ASEAN, and Malaysian contexts, the paper synthesizes existing literature to propose a conceptual framework that identifies top management support, employee engagement and training, digital integration, and organizational culture as key enablers. Conversely, resistance to change, bureaucratic structures, limited Lean knowledge, and resource constraints emerge as significant barriers. The paper concludes with implications for future research and recommendations for effective Lean deployment in the postal sector
Total quality management and business performance in the security service industry: A pilot study
This study examines the key dimensions of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and business performance in the security services industry. The survey questionnaires were designed and distributed to 50 respondents within a Malaysian security service organisation. The pilot study sample consists of 30 respondents from 50 questionnaires, with an average response rate of 60%. Reliability and validity tests were conducted, and the data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicate that four main TQM dimensions, namely leadership, benchmarking, continuous improvement, and human resource management, demonstrate satisfactory reliability and measurement adequacy. Furthermore, leadership emerged as the most prominent dimension supporting the implementation of TQM practices within the organisation. This research concludes that the identified TQM dimensions provide a reliable foundation for assessing business performance in the security services industry. Thus, further studies are recommended to investigate and validate the structural relationships between TQM practices and business performance in the Malaysian security services industry.
Personal attitude and entrepreneurial intention: Examining the mediating effect of self-efficacy among non-business students
Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth, innovation, and social development. In Malaysia, universities play a vital role in cultivating entrepreneurial capabilities; however, many graduates lack the confidence to translate academic knowledge into venture creation. This study examines the influence of personal attitude on entrepreneurial intention and investigates the mediating role of self-efficacy among non-business students at Universiti Teknologi MARA, Kelantan Branch. Adopting a quantitative research design, data were collected from 184 students across various faculties—including Accountancy, Computer & Mathematical Sciences, Information Management, and Arts & Design. Participants were selected via purposive sampling based on a strict exclusionary criterion. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that personal attitude has a significant positive effect on entrepreneurial intention and significantly influences self-efficacy. Self-efficacy also mediates the relationship between personal attitude and entrepreneurial intention, indicating that students with positive attitudes are more likely to develop entrepreneurial intentions when they possess strong confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities. The model explains a substantial proportion of variance in entrepreneurial intention, highlighting the importance of personal attitude factors in shaping entrepreneurial mindset.
The roles and challenges of waqf in Malaysian higher education institutions: A review and future directions
Waqf has long served as an Islamic philanthropic institution that supports education, social welfare and socioeconomic development. In Malaysia, waqf has gained renewed attention as a complementary mechanism for strengthening the financial sustainability of higher education institutions. This development is significant as universities face rising operational costs, growing demand for quality education and increasing pressure to diversify income beyond government funding and tuition fees. This paper reviews the roles and challenges of waqf in Malaysian higher education institutions and proposes future directions for strengthening its implementation. Using a narrative review approach, the paper synthesises literature on waqf, educational financing, Islamic social finance, governance, public trust, institutional capacity and higher education sustainability. The review indicates that waqf can support financial sustainability, student assistance, infrastructure development, research and innovation, community engagement and human capital development. However, implementation remains constrained by legal and regulatory complexity, governance and management issues, limited public awareness, weak waqf literacy, financial and resource constraints, institutional capacity limitations and slow digital adoption. The paper argues that the future sustainability of waqf in higher education depends on stronger governance frameworks, transparent reporting, digital waqf ecosystems, strategic industry collaboration, sustainable investment and integrated waqf-based education financing models. The paper contributes by synthesising the main roles and challenges of educational waqf in Malaysia and identifying directions for future research and institutional practice.
Digital marketing strategies and consumer purchase decision in e-commerce: The roles of trust and behavioral intention
The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed the way businesses engage with consumers through digital marketing strategies such as mobile marketing and online advertising. Despite the increasing adoption of these strategies, their effectiveness in influencing actual consumer purchase decisions remains inconsistent, particularly in emerging digital markets where concerns regarding trust and transaction security continue to exist. This study examines the influence of digital marketing strategies on consumer purchase decision through the mediating roles of trust and behavioural intention among Malaysian e-commerce consumers. Guided by the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S–O–R) theory, the study proposes that digital marketing strategies function as external stimuli that shape consumers’ internal psychological evaluations before influencing purchasing behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 210 Malaysian consumers with prior online purchasing experience using a structured online questionnaire. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. The findings reveal that digital marketing strategies significantly influence trust and behavioural intention, while trust also positively affects behavioural intention. Behavioural intention was found to have the strongest direct effect on consumer purchase decision. In addition, mediation analysis confirmed that trust and behavioural intention significantly mediate the relationship between digital marketing strategies and purchase decision. The study contributes to the digital marketing and e-commerce literature by providing an integrated explanation of how digital marketing strategies translate into actual purchasing behaviour through sequential psychological mechanisms. The findings also offer practical implications for e-commerce firms and digital marketers in developing trust-oriented and consumer-centred digital marketing strategies to improve online purchase conversion in emerging digital markets.
The pilot study "Determinants of consumer purchase decision for private label brand (PLB) product"
This pilot study is emphasizing on consumer purchase decision of Private label brand product in Kelantan and, emphasizing on selection of attributes which an indicator of purchasing decision. Private Label Brand (PLB) is a company’s who are selling product or services under their retailer or wholesaler name. However, despite the availability and affordability of these products, the acceptance rates of Private Label Brand (PLB) products among Malaysian consumers are still considered relatively low when compared to other countries in the Asia region and in certain state in Malaysia consumer are suffering especially B40 and M40 due to limited income to buy the product. This study needed to assist consumer in making decision with limited income to decide what product should be purchase to fulfil their needs and wants. Thus, this study examines the relationships perceived quality, perceived value, perceived risk, price, brand image and purchase decision and the mediating of willingness to buy towards purchase decision among consumer in Kelantan whereby it is known as second lowest income state in Malaysia. This pilot study is needed in order to test the element involved in questionnaires and the model Theory of Consumption Value (TCV) and Theory of Reason Action (TRA), fit with the research objectives and design. A quantitative and questionnaire survey method was employed for 30 respondents in this study and final analysis using the structural equation model partial least square (SEM-PLS) through purposive sampling method. The findings, the results show that in the context of consumer purchase decision of Private Label brand in Kelantan, the attributes such as perceived quality, perceived risk, and price significantly influence, while perceived value and brand image are significant and consider relevant to be used in further investigations.
Mapping the intersection of fast fashion and climate change: A bibliometric analysis of publication trends, key contributors and research themes
The fast fashion industry has increasingly been recognised as a significant contributor to climate change, prompting growing scholarly attention across sustainability, environmental management, and business research. This study systematically examines the evolution, structure, and thematic development of scientific literature at the intersection of fast fashion and climate change between 2010 and 2025 using a bibliometric approach. A total of 2,697 peer-reviewed journal articles indexed in the Scopus database were analysed following established identification, screening, and eligibility procedures. Data visualisation and science mapping were performed using VOSviewer (v.1.6.20) to analyse the keyword occurrence patterns. To enhance analytical clarity, a minimum occurrence threshold was applied to filter salient keywords and reveal dominant research clusters. The findings indicate a pronounced acceleration in publication output after 2020, reflecting heightened academic and societal concern regarding climate impacts, sustainability, and responsible production within the fast fashion sector. The literature is concentrated within a small number of sustainability-oriented journals, supported by a core group of recurring contributors from interdisciplinary backgrounds such as supply chain management, environmental science, and sustainable business. Keyword mapping reveals four major thematic clusters, highlighting established research streams related to environmental impacts, sustainable supply chains, circular economy practices, and emerging discussions on governance and systemic change. This study contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape of fast fashion and climate change research, identifying dominant themes and research gaps, and offering a structured foundation for future theoretical and empirical investigations.
The role of social media in women empowerment: A conceptual analysis
Social media has emerged as a powerful enabler of women’s empowerment, fostering economic, social, and political participation. However, access to social media alone guarantees empowerment overlooks the mechanisms that make this possible. This conceptual paper proposes an integrative framework positioning digital literacy as a critical mediator between social media usage and empowerment outcomes. Grounded in Empowerment Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study conceptualizes empowerment as a multidimensional construct encompassing economic, social, and political dimensions. Using a qualitative, theory-building approach and literature synthesis, the paper argues that connectivity alone is insufficient; digital literacy transforms access into purposeful engagement, enabling entrepreneurship, social inclusion, and civic participation. The framework challenges techno-deterministic assumptions and highlights the need for digital skills and supportive governance. Aligned with Malaysia’s MADANI agenda and SDG 5, the model contributes conceptually and guides strategies for equitable digital ecosystems, offering a foundation for future empirical research.
Determinants of housing affordability in Malaysia: An econometric analysis
One of the most pressing societal challenges is the provision of affordable housing for the general public. The goal of this article is to identify the elements that determine housing affordability levels in Malaysia, analyse the mechanisms that drive these factors, and estimate their quantitative impact on the housing affordability index. The following elements have a direct impact on housing affordability: GDP, mortgage interest rates, and population. The quantitative assessment of the cumulative impact of these factors on housing affordability is based on developing a regression time-series model that describes how the housing affordability index in Malaysia is influenced by various factors and on evaluating its reliability. Time series data from 1990 to 2024, and a regression model was used to determine the relationship between the selected variables. Using empirical data analysis, the results reveal that gross domestic product and population size significantly influence housing affordability. In contrast, interest rates do not exhibit a statistically significant relationship with affordability outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of economic growth and demographic trends in shaping housing access, offering valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to improve housing affordability.
The moderating role of work engagement in relationship between person–supervisor fit and organizational citizenship behavior among Muslim government servants in Wisma Persekutuan Kota Bharu: A pilot study
This pilot study examines the relationship between person–supervisor fit and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and the moderating role of work engagement among Muslim government servants at Wisma Persekutuan Kota Bharu. Data were collected from 30 respondents using an online questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Measurement instruments for person–supervisor fit and OCB were adopted from Abdullah Thani (2019), while work engagement was measured using a validated scale. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28, employing descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation, and hierarchical regression. Results indicated that person–supervisor fit was positively associated with OCB and that work engagement significantly moderated this relationship, strengthening the effect of supervisor compatibility on discretionary work behavior. All constructs demonstrated satisfactory reliability coefficients exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.70. These findings support the feasibility of the instruments and procedures for a larger-scale study and contribute to the literature on supervisor relationships, engagement, and citizenship behavior in the Malaysian public sector.
Innovative work behavior among aging public sector employees: The mediating role of organizational commitment
Innovative work behavior (IWB) plays a crucial role in enhancing organizational effectiveness, service quality, and sustainability, particularly within public sector organizations facing increasing pressure to innovate amid workforce aging. As extended working lives result in a growing proportion of aging employees remaining in public service, understanding the conditions that support IWB among aging employees has become increasingly important. Drawing on job demands-resources perspectives and organizational support literature, this pilot study examines the mediating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between job autonomy, supervisor support, and IWB among aging employees in the Malaysian public sector. This study employed a quantitative survey design involving 30 government employees aged between 50 and 60 years working in the Prime Minister’s Department, Putrajaya. Established measurement instruments were used to assess job autonomy, supervisor support, organizational commitment, and IWB. Reliability analysis using Cronbach’s alpha indicated satisfactory internal consistency across all constructs, with values exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.70. Skewness and kurtosis values further indicated acceptable data distribution. Overall, the findings provide preliminary support for the reliability and suitability of the research instruments and offer initial insights into the relationships among job autonomy, supervisor support, organizational commitment, and IWB in an aging public sector context. The study serves as a methodological foundation for a larger-scale investigation into IWB among aging employees.
Exploring livelihood motivations among B40 communities participating in the Ikan Bekok entrepreneurship programme in Besut, Terengganu: A sustainable livelihood framework perspective
Community-based entrepreneurship programmes have increasingly been promoted as mechanisms for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment among low-income communities in Malaysia. However, limited attention has been given to understanding how prospective participants perceive such programmes before engaging in entrepreneurial activities. This study explores the motivations, aspirations, and livelihood assets of B40 individuals participating in the Ikan Bekok enterprise programme in Besut, Terengganu. Exploratory descriptive qualitative design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with sixteen programme participants recruited through convenience and snowball sampling techniques and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal five emerging themes; livelihood necessity, family and social support, pursuing economic opportunities through self-development, aspirations for future advancement, and anticipating challenges and uncertainties. Interpreted through the Sustainable Livelihood Framework, the findings indicate that participants sought to strengthen multiple livelihood assets, particularly financial, human, and social capital, while recognising the importance of physical and natural resources in sustaining traditional food enterprises. Participation in the programme was primarily driven by economic vulnerability and the need for income diversification rather than immediate entrepreneurial ambitions. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that traditional food enterprise programmes function not only as entrepreneurship initiatives but also as livelihood strategies that support household resilience and community empowerment among low-income populations.
Sustainable waste management behavior in Malaysian higher education institutions: Integrating TPB and VBN perspectives for social development
This study examines sustainable waste management behavior within Malaysian higher education institutions by integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) theory. Using a quantitative approach, data from 378 respondents were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly influence sustainable waste practices, while financial incentives exhibit selective moderating effects. Beyond behavioral prediction, the study contributes to the discourse on social and institutional development by emphasizing the role of collective responsibility, environmental ethics, and value-driven engagement among university communities. The findings offer practical implications for policy makers and educational administrators in designing sustainability programs that strengthen social awareness, governance mechanisms, and long-term environmental accountability in higher education settings.