ABSTRACT
@#The Malay people are the majority in Peninsular Malaysia, but their population structure and genetic profile remain poorly studied. The exposure to the origins of Malays and their sub-ethnic groups is vital prior to study about their genetic profiles as it can narrow down the haplogroups of their ancestral lineages. In this review, we have highlighted theories related to the origin of Malays from Yunnan, New Guinea, Taiwan, Sundaland, Nusantara and the theory of Bani Jawi. Nevertheless, these theories were established based on speculations without evidence. Despite the theories developed, the migration of Malay population is more prominent during the era of Malacca Sultanate. The trading activities and seafaring way of life had welcomed various ethnic groups in Peninsular Malaysia which formed a part of the Malay population today. Thus, the origin of major sub-ethnic groups of Malay population are discussed in this paper. The origin of Malay community has a key relationship with modern genomic field that was conducted through mitochondrial DNA analysis. Human identification in forensic application is tedious due to the need for sequencing whole DNA profile of Malay population. Therefore, identification of specific genetic markers for Malay population is vital to facilitate forensic investigation. We gathered data by systematically searched with Google Scholar, Pubmed, Science Direct with advanced search builder for papers titles with Malay population and genetic markers. This study shed some light on the mitochondrial DNA markers of indigenous people and Malay population in Peninsular Malaysia which can be used in future prospects.
ABSTRACT
@#Soil sample is one of the important evidence that can be found in crime scene. Unknown soil sample can be analysed and compared with reference sample in order to determine the origin as its physical and chemical components possess unique characteristics. The purpose of this study is to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of soil from oil palm plantations in Perak, Malaysia to assist forensic investigation. Total of 97 topsoil samples were collected from three different oil palm plantations in Perak. Particle size distribution was obtained using dry sieving technique and colour of soil sample was examined under three conditions that are dry, moist and ashed. Soil pH was measured using pH meter and percentage of composition of soil organic matter (SOM) was determined by weighing the sample before and after ignition. Result showed that the composition of particle size <0.18mm was within the range of 5.57-21.11% whereas for particle size between 0.18mm - 0.6mm was within 31.62 - 52.96% and 25.78-66.86% for particle size >0.6mm. The color mode of soil after oven dried, moistened and ashed was greyish brown (10YR 5/2), very dark greyish brown (10YR 3/2) and light yellowish brown (10YR 6/4) respectively. Soil pH was in the range of 5.79 – 6.70. The percentage of SOM was between 3.29 - 20.48%. The physical and chemical characteristics of soil analysed in this study from three different locations of oil palm plantations varied and it is possible to discriminate these locations based on the analysis highlighted in this study.