First evidence of microplastic pollution in the surface water of Malaysian Marine Park islands, South China Sea during COVID-19.

Malaysia is bounded by the South China Sea with many islands that support species megadiversity and coral reef ecosystems. This study investigates the distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the surface water around the four marine park islands (Perhentian, Redang, Kapas, and Tenggol) during COVID-19. The global pandemic has reset human activities, impacting the environment while possibly reducing anthropogenic contributions of microplastic pollution near the South China Sea islands. It was found that Pulau Perhentian recorded the most abundance of MPs (588.33 ± 111.77 items/L), followed by Pulau Redang (314.67 ± 58.08 items/L), Pulau Kapas (359.8 ± 87.70 items/L) and Pulau Tenggol (294.33 ± 101.64 items/L). Kruskal-Wallis analysis indicates a significant difference in total MPs abundance between islands. There are moderate correlations between salinity, pH, temperature and MPs variability. Among these parameters, only temperature is significant (p < 0.05) as proven by the principal component analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. Nearly 99 % of MPs are fiber type, with the majority of them being black and transparent. Micro-FTIR spectroscopy revealed polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyamide, phenoxy-resins and polyurethane-acrylic are associated with MPs. The findings provide a new baseline reference for the MPs distribution on Malaysian islands, which contributes to a potential future direction regarding marine sustainability.

Occurrence, distribution, and risk assessment of parabens in the surface water of Terengganu River, Malaysia.

The concentration, distribution, and risk assessment of parabens were determined in the surface water of the Terengganu River, Malaysia. Target chemicals were extracted via solid-phase extraction, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis. Method optimization produced a high percentage recovery for methylparaben (MeP, 84.69 %), ethylparaben (EtP, 76.60 %), and propylparaben (PrP, 76.33 %). Results showed that higher concentrations were observed for MeP (3.60 µg/L) as compared with EtP (1.21 µg/L) and PrP (1.00 µg/L). Parabens are ubiquitously present in all sampling stations, with >99 % of detection. Salinity and conductivity were the major factors influencing the level of parabens in the surface water. Overall, we found no potential risk of parabens in the Terengganu River ecosystem due to low calculated risk assessment values (risk quotient < 1). In conclusion, parabens are present in the river, but their levels are too low to pose risks to aquatic organisms.

Adaptation of coastal defence structure as a mechanism to alleviate coastal erosion in monsoon dominated coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The complexity of the coastal environment and the advent of climate change cause coastal erosion, which is incontrovertibly a significant concern worldwide, including Peninsular Malaysia, where, the coast is threatened by severe erosion linked to anthropogenic factors and monsoonal wind-driven waves. Consequently, the Malaysian government implemented a mitigation plan using several coastal defence systems to overcome the coastal erosion problem. This study assesses coastal erosion management strategies along a monsoon-dominated coasts by evaluating the efficacy of coastal protection structures against the coast. To this end, we analysed 244 km of the coastline of Terengganu, a federal state located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Due to a higher frequency of storms and the ensuing inception of high wave energy environments during the northeast monsoon (relative to southwest monsoon), the study area is the most impacted region in Malaysia with regard to coastal erosion. Fifty-five (55) coastal defence structures were detected along the Terengganu coastline. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS) was utilised to compute changes in the rate statistics for various historical shoreline positions along the Terengganu coast to assess the efficacy of the defence structures. Additionally, this study acquired the perception of the existing coastal management strategies through an interview session with the concerned stakeholders. The rate statistics revealed the effectiveness and impact of the coastal defence structure on the coastline. Assessing the functionality of the coastal defence structures shed light on the present scenario of coastal erosion management. Greater efficacy and lower impact of coastal defence structures are prescribed for coastal erosion management strategies across the monsoon-dominated coast.

Acute effect of Melon Manis Terengganu peel powder on glycemic response, perceived satiety, and food intake: a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover trial in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) peel has a high dietary fiber content, but there is no data examining its health benefits in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether consumption of MMT peel powder improves glycemic response, satiety, and food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes. METHODS: An open-label, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design trial was conducted among adults (n = 30, ages 18-59 y) at risk of type 2 diabetes. They consumed Formulation 3 (formulated MMT peel powder) [A] and control (glucose) [B] with study breakfast based on randomly assigned treatment sequences (AB, BA) established by Research Randomizer ( www.randomizer.org ). Capillary blood glucose and perceived satiety were determined at baseline (0 min), 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, followed by a post-intervention food intake measurement. RESULTS: The repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant time (F = 84.37, p <  0.001, ηp2 = 0.744), condition (F = 22.89, p <  0.001, ηp2 = 0.441), and time*condition effects (F = 24.40, p <  0.001, ηp2 = 0.457) in blood glucose levels. Respondents (n = 30) who consumed Formulation 3 also had a significantly lower blood glucose 2-hour incremental area under the curve (iAUC) of 134.65 ± 44.51 mmol/L*min and maximum concentration (CMax) of 7.20 (7.10, 8.20) mmol/L with relative reduction of 26.8 and 13.3% respectively, when compared with control (p <  0.001). Besides, significantly greater perceived satiety, lower energy and fat intake as well as higher dietary fiber intake were also observed in the intervention group compared with the placebo group (p <  0.05). There were no marked side effects associated with the ingestion of the test products. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term consumption of formulated MMT peel powder may improve glycemic response, increase perceived satiety and reduce food intake in adults at risk of type 2 diabetes with the potential to be utilized as a functional beverage. Medium-to long-term clinical trial is warranted to determine whether taking this formulated MMT peel powder on a daily basis has an influence on health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05298111. Registered 28/03/2022.

Ardisiawhitmorei (Primulaceae-Myrsinoideae), a new species from north east of Peninsular Malaysia.

Ardisiawhitmorei Julius & Utteridge, sp. nov. (Primulaceae-Myrsinoideae), a member of ArdisiasubgenusStylardisia on account of the style protruding from the closed petals prior to anthesis, is herein described and illustrated as a new species. This new species is easily distinguished by the combination of the inflorescences with a slender rachis branched to two orders, the corolla lobes are abaxially glabrous with usually up to only two gland-dots near the apex and the brochidrodromous secondary veins with double loops near the margin.

Mitochondrial DNA sequence of the horseshoe crab Tachypleus gigas.

This paper reports on the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of a horseshoe crab, Tachypleus gigas (T. gigas), in Kuala Kemaman, Terengganu, Malaysia. Whole-genome sequencing of hemocyte DNA was performed with Illumina HiSeq system and the generated reads were de novo assembled with ABySS 2.1.5 and reassembled using mitoZ against Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda and Limulus polyphemus, resulting in a contig of 15 Kb. Phylogenetic analysis of the assembled mt genome suggests that the Tachypleus gigas is closely related to Tachypleus tridentatus than to Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda.

Data on the impact of socioeconomic status on academic achievement among students in Malaysian public universities.

This data article presents the impact of parents' socioeconomic status on undergraduate students' academic achievements at a Malaysian higher education institution. The eastern parts of Peninsular Malaysia are populated by low-income citizens compared to the national average. The survey was conducted in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The targeted population is final year social science students. The total size of the target population is 965 students. Using Krejcie and Morgan's sampling method, a sample size of 333 students was surveyed. A descriptive research design was adopted in this study. Data were obtained from stratified random sampling comprising a total of 333 respondents in Universiti Malaysia Terengganu from 14 states across Malaysia. The data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was carried out using tables and figures. The findings revealed that most of the students stated that a parent's socioeconomic status does not influence their academic achievement.

Data on ectoparasites infestation on small mammals from different habitats in east-coast Peninsular Malaysia.

This data article presents on the ectoparasites infestation on small mammals in Peninsular Malaysia. The dataset on ectoparasites infestation is important because it raises a major medical concern regarding the spread of potentially zoonotic disease from wildlife to human. Tick and chigger are the primary ectoparasites as reservoirs of vector-borne diseases found on small mammals in Malaysia. These small mammals that are infested with ectoparasites occupy various types of habitats, including human settlements, could be of community health risks as the carriers of potentially zoonotic diseases. Field samplings were conducted from February 2015 to February 2016 in three different ecological habitats of mixed dipterocarp forest, coastal forest and insular forest, in Terengganu, Malaysia. A total of 35 and 22 species of bats and rodents respectively were captured and examined for ectoparasites. Twenty-three species of bats and 16 species of small mammal were recorded as hosts for at least one species of ectoparasites. These findings show that the highest ectoparasite infestation occurred on bat community.

Conspectus of flora, fauna and micro-climate data in Tasik Kenyir from Mac 2015-February 2016.

This data article presents the diversity of flora and selected fauna in Tasik Kenyir, Malaysia. This man-made lake once suffered huge loss of biodiversity for allowing an earth-dam construction during 1980s. Series of publications on different types of target taxa have been published separately after the post-dam construction. A biodiversity assessment was conducted in Tasik Kenyir from March 2015 until February 2016. The one year assessment were compiled with the previous published data to document and updated the biodiversity checklist in the lake. The data show that Tasik Kenyir is occupied by 113 tree species, 217 butterfly species, 35 bee species, 26 reptile species, 267 aves species and 153 mammal species. The micro-climate data was downloaded from the Malaysian Meteorological Department and analysed in R Studio to highlight the relationship between climate data and biodiversity data.

Prevalence of Vegetable Intake and its associated Personal, Socio-environmental, Physical-environmental Factors among Malay Adolescents in Rural Terengganu

@#Introduction: This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of vegetable intake and its associated personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors among Malay adolescents in rural Terengganu. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional study conducted from 1st January 2019 to 31st May 2019 at selected secondary schools in rural Terengganu in Marang and Hulu Terengganu districts. A total of 240 students were recruited by multistage random sampling method in schools and based on inclusion criteria. A validated questionnaire was developed consisting of four (4) sections; demographic data, personal, socio-environmental and physical-environmental factors of vegetable intake. Reliability test found the validity and internal consistency of the questionnaire to be acceptable with a Cronbach Alpha value of 0.762. Results: The respondents consisted of 53% males and 47% females with mean age of 15.01 (1.00) years old. Majority of the respondents had normal BMI status (48%) follows by underweight (20%), overweight (16%) and obese (16%). Majority (83%) had inadequate vegetable intake per day. Factors that were associated with the vegetable intake among adolescents were liking (p=0.01), intention (p=0.01) and habit (p<0.01) for personal factor. An availability of vegetable at leisure place (p=0.01) was significant for physical-environmental factor. Conclusion: Majority of the adolescents did not meet the recommended intake of vegetable daily. Therefore, development of intervention programs to promote intake of vegetables among adolescents should consider their liking, habits, intention and the availability at leisure place compare to others in schools or any organizations.

Parental perception of child’s body weight status and its association with socio-demographic factors among Malay children in primary schools in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

@#Introduction: Obesity rate among school children has increased globally. Parental perception plays a significant role in the management of obesity among children. Previous studies indicated that parents who accurately perceived their child’s body weight status (BWS) tended to encourage healthy behaviours as compared to parents who overlooked the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association between socio-demographic factors with parental perceptions of their child’s BWS among school children in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, 389 school children aged 9 to 11 years old were recruited. Height and weight were measured using calibrated tools and inputted into the World Health Organization AnthroPlus software for body mass index z-score calculation. Parental perceptions of their child’s BWS were explored using a selfadministered questionnaire together with their socio-demographic background. Results: Of 389 subjects, 53.2% of school children were from rural and 46.8% were from urban schools. Overall, mean BMI-for-age z-score between school locations showed no significant difference, with higher means reported in urban (-0.2±1.6SD) than in rural (-0.4±1.6SD). Significant association was found between parents’ perceptions and actual BWS (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that parents of overweight children and parents in rural schools were more likely to misperceive their child’s BWS. Conclusion: This finding suggests that parents from rural areas and having overweight children were more likely to have misperceptions of their child’s BWS. Therefore, knowledge-based intervention programmes among parents specifically in the rural areas are needed to increase the level of awareness to assist in obesity prevention.

Ultra-processed Food Consumption in Relation to BMI and Body Fat Percentage of Adults in Terengganu

@#Introduction: There is an emergent increase of ultra-processed food consumption in developing countries including Malaysia which carries a likelihood towards the increase of obesity. However, few studies have been done in relating between ultra-processed consumption and obesity, especially in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to determine the consumption of ultra-processed foods and its relationship with BMI and body fat percentage among university committee in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among 167 individuals aged 18 to 59 years old in Kuala Nerus. Data were collected using a researcher-administered questionnaire which consisted of three different sections: socio-demographic profile, two days 24-hour dietary recall, and nutritional status assessment on BMI and body fat percentage. Consumption of ultra-processed foods were determined by classifying two days 24-hour dietary recall based on ultra-processed food classification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 with p<0.05 to indicate significant. Results: The results showed Group 4 (ultra-processed foods) contributes 23% of overall daily energy consumption while Group 1+2 (unprocessed or minimally processed food + culinary ingredients) and Group 3 (processed foods) had contributed 75% and 2% respectively. Results showed that there was no relationship found between the ultra-processed food consumption and nutritional status through spearmen correlation at p<0.05. Conclusion: It is evidently clear from the findings that the consumption of ultra-processed foods is providentially still low among the respondents.

Thismiadomei and T.terengganuensis (Thismiaceae), two new species, and T.javanica, a new record from Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

Two new species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia Griff. (Thismiaceae), Thismiadomei Siti-Munirah and T.terengganuensis Siti-Munirah from Peninsular Malaysia, are described and illustrated. Thismiadomei, characterized by its perianth lobes that are upright and curve inward, but are imperfectly connate, falls within sectionOdoardoa. Thismiaterengganuensis is characterized by its mitre with three appendages on its apex, so falls within sectionGeomitra. Both new species are unique and totally different from other described species, T.domei by the trichomes on its outer perianth tube surface and T.terengganuensis by its mitre with slender appendages. Thismiajavanica J.J.Sm, also from Terengganu, is a new record for Peninsular Malaysia.

Knowledge and Attitude towards Blood Donation among Non Blood Donor Residents of Kuala Terengganu at Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu

@#Introduction: : Blood supply shortage is a worldwide problem including Malaysia. According to statistical data from 2011 to 2015, Terengganu which is one of the states in Malaysia has the lowest blood donation rate. The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge and attitude score towards blood donation and their associated factors among nondonors of Kuala Terengganu. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire involving systematically random sampling of 320 nondonors attending Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah. Data were analysed using Multiple Logistic Regression and Pearson correlation. Results: The mean knowledge and attitude scores were 5.19 (1.87) and 70.79 (8.19), respectively. Sixty-four percent (64.69%) and 92.81% of the participants have good knowledge and attitude, respectively. Gender, education level, and occupation have a significant association with knowledge, while education level and occupation were found to be significantly associated with attitude. No significant association found between the knowledge and attitude level. Most reported barriers to blood donation were a refusal to give blood to other religion and race. The main source to acquire information pertaining to blood donation was mainly from social media. Conclusion: Refusal of giving blood to other religion and race is recognised as the main issue that hinders participants to donate their blood. Thus, proper education and aggressive promotion regarding blood donation are needed especially among the nondonor in this region of Malaysia

A taxonomic revision of the genus Thalia Blumenbach, 1798; Weelia Yount, 1954; Brooksia Metcalf, 1918 (Salpida: Salpidae) from East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

The marine pelagic tunicates of Family Salpidae Lahille, 1888 presence in the coastal waters of Terengganu was studied for the first time. Samples were collected from April to July 2016 using 200µm Bongo net; hauled vertically from a stationary vessel; and preserved in 5% buffered formaldehyde. A total of 4 species under this family were found, observed and identified: Thalia rhomboides (Quoy and Gaimard 1824); Thalia sibogae (van Soest 1973); Weelia cylindrica (Cuvier 1804) and Brooksia rostrata (Traustedt 1893). All species were identified as new records in Malaysian waters. The description on morphological characteristics and a key to the solitary and aggregate of the recorded species is added. The distribution was analyzed from the 18 sampling stations in theTerengganu waters including Pulau Bidong, Pulau Yu and Pulau Kapas. The collected data was then compiled with previous available global literature on the distribution and occurrence of these four species, consequently updating the biodiversity of Malaysian fauna and its worldwide biogeography distribution.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), Terengganu, Malaysia: milestones so far and the paths to the future.

This study aims to provide an overview of mental health problems of children and adolescents in Malaysia in general and the state of Terengganu in particular. It also highlights the challenges and the opportunities in the establishment of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). CAMHS in Malaysia are developing slowly but have not reached the standards found in developed countries. Significant improvements are needed to ensure that the service can provide optimal help to children and adolescent as well as their families. Constraining factors such as a lack of trained workers, limited financial resources for training and inadequate facilities are among the challenges. Despite all these challenges, specific strategies are required to optimally utilise the potential existing resources. The Ministry of Health initiatives in creating and implementing the national mental health policy and increasing mental health awareness campaigns for children and adolescents are of paramount importance. To overcome the lack of resources in the implementation of CAMH services, in-service education and training, integration of mental health services with the existing primary health care facilities and cultivation of cooperative and communicative networks between primary care professionals, mental health workers and other relevant agencies are crucial steps.

Assessment of metallic trace elements in the muscles and fins of four landed elasmobranchs from Kuala Terengganu Waters, Malaysia.

A study had been carried out to determine Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb concentrations in the muscle and fins of four elasmobranchs species namely spot-tail sharks, milk sharks, whitespotted bamboo sharks and whitespotted guitarfish from Pulau Kambing LKIM Fishery Complex, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. Zinc level was found to have the highest concentration whereas Cd had the lowest concentration in both organs. By comparing both organs, metals concentrations in fins of all elasmobranchs species were higher than muscle. Result obtained was compared with the guidelines set by Malaysian Food Regulation and the provisional tolerable weekly intake was also determined. Current study recommends that the muscle of whitespotted bamboo shark from Kuala Terengganu Waters is likely not to be consumed due to it exceeded the allowable consumption guideline. Finding of this paper is very useful as it provides the baseline data on the pollution status of elasmobranchs in Kuala Terengganu Waters.

Body weight status of school adolescents in Terengganu, Malaysia: a population baseline study.

BACKGROUND: Body weight is highly associated with overall health status. Being severely thin or obese may impose the risk of many health problems. Early detection of body mass index (BMI) status may help to reduce the associated comorbidities. Although many studies in the literature have investigated the BMI of school adolescents in Malaysia, the data on status of body weight among school adolescents in suburban states like Terengganu is limited. This study aimed to describe the body weight status of the whole population of school adolescents in all seven districts in Terengganu, Malaysia. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated and classified using WHO BMI-for-age Z-score. Data was obtained using the National Fitness Standard (SEGAK) assessment, which was uploaded in a specific Health Monitoring System (HEMS). RESULTS: From a total of 62,567 school adolescents, 50.7% were boys and 49.3% were girls. Girls had significantly higher BMI than boys in age groups of 13 to 15 and 16 to 17 years old. Among boys and girls, there were significant differences in mean BMI of school adolescents between rural and urban school locations in all age groups (p < 0.001). There were also significant differences in BMI between boys and girls in all districts in Terengganu, except Kemaman and Kuala Terengganu, for all age groups (p < 0.001). Overall, the prevalence of thinness, normal, overweight and obesity were 8.4, 64.6, 15.0 and 12.0%, respectively. There were significant differences between BMI categories and genders in total participants, and within rural and urban school locations (p < 0.05). In all districts except Marang and Dungun, significant difference was also found between BMI categories and genders. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of thinness, overweight and obesity in Terengganu were substantial. In this study, BMI category was associated with gender, age, school location and district. However, the actual effects of these factors on the prevalence of thinness and obesity among this population demand further investigation.

First molecular identification of Cryptosporidium by 18S rRNA in goats and association with farm management in Terengganu

Objective To identify the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from goats in three types of farm management systems in Terengganu, Malaysia and to determine the Cryptosporidium species infecting goats by using 18S rRNA. Methods A total of 478 fecal samples were randomly collected from goats in three farms; 199 samples were collected from intensive farm, 179 samples from semi-intensive farm and 100 samples from extensive farm. The samples were processed by using formol-ether concentration technique and stained by using modified Ziehl–Neelsen. Positive samples were performed by using nested PCR analysis by using 18S rRNA. Results Out of 478 goats, 207 (43.3%) were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium. Goats reared under the intensive farm management system reported the highest prevalence of infection (49.7%), followed by intensive farm management system (41%) and the lowest prevalence was reported in the goats reared under semi-intensive management system (37.4%). Conclusions The identified species found in goat was Cryptosporidium parvum. Future study on the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium parvum in goats needs to be done in order to find the source of transmission of this parasite.