Gading Journal for the Social Sciences (e-ISSN 2600-7568)

A Quantitative Study of Social Media Use among University Students in Sarawak, Malaysia

2026-05-31T08:26:58+08:00

This study quantifies social media usage among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia by examining the extent of social media use, preferred social media platforms, primary motivations for use, and common online activities. A quantitative survey design was employed, and data were collected from 305 purposively sampled undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that 97% of the respondents were active social media users, indicating the widespread adoption of social media among university students. WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube emerged as the three most frequently used platforms. Entertainment was identified as the primary motivation for social media use (39%), followed by socialising (33%) and learning (20%). In terms of online activities, streaming content on YouTube and watching movies (41%), social networking (37%), and listening to music (29%) were the most common activities reported. These findings provide valuable insights into the digital engagement patterns of university students in Sarawak and offer practical implications for educators and higher education institutions seeking to promote more meaningful and productive use of social media for learning, communication, and student engagement.

Exploring Parent-Led Arabic Literacy Development in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder:

2026-06-25T09:56:17+08:00

This study explores a parent-led Arabic reading intervention using Al-Qaida Nooraniah to support the literacy development of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in a home-based setting. Despite growing research supporting parent-mediated interventions, research on Arabic reading instruction for children diagnosed with ASD remains limited. Furthermore, the linguistic difficulty of the Arabic language causes additional challenges that require structured teaching approaches. A qualitative single-case study was used, involving one parent and one child diagnosed with ASD. Data were collected through 18 reflective journal entries throughout a six-week intervention. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. In addition, trustworthiness was enhanced through prolonged engagement, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing. The analysis generated four themes: Structured Teaching Activities, Instructional Strategies, Instructional Challenges, and Parental Emotional Reflective Practice. Overall, the findings suggest that responsive parent-led intervention supported the child's engagement and Arabic reading development. The findings also confirm the value of parental reflective practice in informing instructional decisions. This practice also helped strengthened parental confidence throughout the intervention. Although the findings are limited to a single case, they suggest that structured and individualised instructional methods may support Arabic reading development. It also informs future research and practice in autism education.

English Language Learning Strategies among ESL Students in Malaysia: A Systematic Literature Review

2026-05-22T13:22:39+08:00

The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) investigates English Language Learning Strategies (LLS) employed by ESL students within the Malaysian educational context, particularly focusing the period of 2018 to 2024 after the implementation of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Guided by PRISMA protocols, seven empirical studies were selected from Scopus and Web of Sciences databases based on meticulous inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was found that metacognitive strategies such as planning, monitoring and evaluating were the most widely used and effective across various education levels, followed by cognitive and socio-affective strategies. It had also revealed that university students were the most frequently studied population, leaving a research gap in primary, secondary and vocational education settings. The review underscored the need for more diversified research to inform pedagogical innovation and enhance teacher training programs to fit the students’ strategic learning needs. The review contributed to a clearer understanding of how LLS facilitate English proficiency among Malaysian ESL learners.

Influence of Engagement in Outdoor Activities on Environmental Awareness among Visitors at Taman Botani, Shah Alam

2026-04-16T14:19:44+08:00

This study investigates the relationship between engagement in outdoor activities and environmental awareness among visitors at Taman Botani, Shah Alam. As urbanisation and technological advancements increasingly disconnect individuals from nature, the role of outdoor recreational activities in enhancing environmental consciousness becomes vital. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 132 respondents through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed strong positive correlations between physical activity, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and environmental awareness. Notably, extrinsic motivation was the strongest predictor, followed by intrinsic motivation and physical activity. Furthermore, participants who engaged in personalised outdoor education programs demonstrated significantly higher levels of environmental awareness compared to those in non-personalised programs. These results underscore the importance of motivational factors and structured learning in promoting pro-environmental behaviours within urban communities. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and urban planners in designing effective environmental education strategies that integrate outdoor experiences for sustainable urban living.

The Influence of Social Media Usage on Business Performance among Entrepreneurs in Bukit Ibam

2026-05-21T13:33:27+08:00

This qualitative study explores the influence of social media usage on business performance among entrepreneurs in Bukit Ibam, a rural community in Rompin, Pahang, Malaysia. Adopting an interpretivist philosophy and a case study design, the research employed semi- structured interviews and a focus group discussion with five micro- entrepreneurs who participated in digital training programs offered by the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI). Thematic analysis revealed five critical themes shaping business performance: Competitors, Target Sales, Trends, Customer Feedback for Improvement, and Capital. Findings indicate that entrepreneurs demonstrate significant adaptability, leveraging social media platforms for competitor intelligence, sales growth, trend monitoring, and direct customer engagement. This digital integration is supported by NADI’s provision of free 5G internet and certified training. However, business growth is substantially constrained by limited access to capital and intense market competition, which are exacerbated by rising operational costs. The study concludes that while social media enhances market responsiveness and operational capabilities, its impact on long-term business sustainability is mediated by structural financial challenges and local market saturation. The research offers context-specific insights for policymakers and support institutions aiming to design targeted digital entrepreneurship initiatives for rural communities, emphasising the need for integrated strategies that combine digital tool adoption with financial literacy and capital access support.

Beyond the Cash Flows:

2026-05-09T21:41:24+08:00

Women entrepreneurs play an increasingly important role in Malaysia’s economic and social development, contributing to household income, job creation, and community resilience. Despite accounting for more than 20% of registered businesses, women-owned enterprises often remain small, financially vulnerable, and concentrated in low-growth sectors. The rise of financial digitalisation through mobile banking, e-wallets, fintech platforms, and e-commerce offers new opportunities for inclusivity and growth, but it also creates challenges for women entrepreneurs who face gaps in digital readiness, financial literacy, and behavioural adaptation. The objectives of this study are:1) to investigate the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in steering financial digitalisation; 2) to recommend financial competency strategies that can reinforce their ability to sustain and grow businesses in the digital economy. A systematic review analysis was employed by retrieved the articles published between 2010 and 2024 from Scopus and Web of Sciences databases. The analysis found that women entrepreneurs benefit from financial digitalisation mainly when supported by three interrelated competencies: (1) enhancing digital financial literacy through targeted digital platforms; (2) developing digital financial behaviour to embed sound practices; and (3) integrating financial socialisation to reinforce sustainable decision-making through family, peers, and networks. By moving “beyond the cash flows,” this study highlights that access to financial technology alone is insufficient without the competencies to leverage it effectively. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the new body of knowledge on financial competencies, inform policy interventions on women’s entrepreneurship, and provide practical strategies for empowering women entrepreneurs as agents of inclusive and resilient economic growth in Malaysia.

The Role of Inclusive Organisational Culture in Enhancing Employee Motivation

2026-06-29T10:09:11+08:00

In today’s global business environment, Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI) have become strategic imperatives for fostering employee motivation and organisational effectiveness. This study investigates the impact of DEI practices on employee motivation within a multinational corporation (Company X) located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia—a region characterised by a demographically diverse workforce. Grounded in Social Exchange Theory, the study employed a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire distributed to 55 employees, with 47 valid responses analysed. Descriptive statistics revealed generally positive perceptions of DEI practices among respondents. Reliability analysis confirmed strong internal consistency across all constructs. Correlation and multiple regression analyses demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between DEI variables and employee motivation, with inclusion emerging as the strongest predictor, followed by equity and diversity. The regression model explained approximately 57.9% of the variance in employee motivation. These findings highlight the importance of integrated DEI initiatives in fostering intrinsic and extrinsic motivational drivers among employees. The study provides empirical evidence supporting the notion that inclusive and equitable workplaces enhance job satisfaction, engagement, and organisational commitment. The results underscore the need for culturally contextualised DEI strategies that align with local workforce dynamics while upholding global inclusivity standards. This research contributes to the limited body of DEI literature in Southeast Asia and offers practical insights for human resource professionals and corporate leaders aiming to implement effective DEI frameworks that resonate with Malaysia’s multicultural workforce.

Insights on Smart Home Adoption Amongst Developers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

2026-03-12T12:37:13+08:00

Despite the growing global interest in smart home technology driven by convenience, security, energy efficiency and safety awareness, its adoption among Malaysian developers remains in its infancy stage. This is largely attributed to challenges such as high initial costs, technological complexity, and ambiguous regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, smart homes technology offers numerous benefits for both the property owners and developers particularly in enhancing residential living environments and addressing environmental sustainability. To better understand developer perspectives, this study explores the insights, conceptual awareness, and core motivators influencing smart home adoption among developers in Kuala Lumpur. Utilising a quantitative approach an online survey was distributed to 252 developers in Kuala Lumpur, and the collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that the developers are familiar with the concept of smart home technology and demonstrated a good understanding of its application and benefits. Furthermore, the developers are motivated to adopt these technologies to enhance their projects' value proposition. Overall, this study concludes that developers possess a strong understanding of smart home technology and are willing to integrate it into future developments. This positive level of understanding and motivation indicates favourable prospect for the wider adoption of smart home technology in Malaysia’s housing sector.

Revolutionising Mathematics:

2026-05-25T09:48:02+08:00

Mathematics is a critical core subject in primary and secondary schools, as well as in higher educational institutions. However, students are increasingly losing interest in this subject due to difficulties in understanding its concepts. An effective approach must be implemented to address this challenge. This study aims to investigate students’ perceptions of an online learning game, ENJOYMATHS, as well as the associated influencing factors and the game's impact on them. A descriptive and logistic regression analysis was conducted to achieve the study's objectives. A total of 37 secondary school students and 40 diploma students participated in this research. The results indicate that most students have a favourable perception of ENJOYMATHS, with 97.4% enjoying the game and agreeing that it is easily accessible and convenient to play anywhere. Moreover, ENJOYMATHS has had a significant impact on students' interest in Mathematics, with 89.6% reporting increased enthusiasm for the subject and 93.5% finding it easier to understand mathematical topics such as fractions, percentages, and decimals. Additionally, 85% of the participants stated that the game enabled them to learn Mathematics independently at home. Furthermore, ENJOYMATHS shows promising market potential, as 57% of the students expressed interest in purchasing this interactive game application. The key factors influencing students' enjoyment of ENJOYMATHS are their Mathematics scores and the game's engaging and easy-to-understand design. In conclusion, ENJOYMATHS has a positive impact on students by helping them overcome difficulties in understanding fundamental mathematical concepts. It is hoped that this innovative teaching method will emerge as a transformative approach in future education.

Satisfying Basic Psychological Needs to Foster Academic Staff Creativity and Performance under Technological Turbulence:

2026-06-26T10:40:54+08:00

This conceptual paper develops an integrated framework explaining how the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs—autonomy, competence, and relatedness—enhances academic staff performance through individual creativity in Malaysian comprehensive universities, while considering technological turbulence as a boundary condition. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the Componential Theory of Creativity, and job performance literature, the framework theorises how basic psychological need satisfaction influences creativity and, subsequently, task and contextual performance. The paper proposes that autonomy, competence, and relatedness need satisfaction foster three creativity components: domain-relevant skills, creativity-relevant processes, and intrinsic task motivation. These components are expected to enhance task performance, including teaching quality, timely assessment, research productivity, and grant-related outputs, as well as contextual performance, such as mentoring, collegial support, knowledge sharing, and proactive service. Individual creativity is theorised to mediate the relationship between basic psychological need satisfaction and academic staff performance. Technological turbulence, reflected in rapid changes in digital platforms, analytics tools, artificial intelligence applications, and online learning requirements, is proposed as a boundary condition that may strengthen or weaken the motivation–creativity–performance relationships. Intrinsic task motivation and adaptive creativity-relevant processes may become increasingly important for maintaining performance in digitally transforming universities.

An Assessment of Corn Growers’ Awareness towards Silage Production in Bachok, Kelantan

2026-04-21T11:01:49+08:00

Corn growers often face challenges in managing crop residues such as cornstalks, stems, and leaves after harvest. When left unmanaged, these residues can serve as a habitat for pests and plant pathogens, creating challenges for subsequent crop management. Many farmers resort to open burning, contributing to environmental pollution and undermining sustainable agricultural practices. An eco-friendly alternative is converting corn residues into silage, a preserved, high-quality livestock feed that enhances animal nutrition while reducing agricultural waste. This study assessed the awareness of silage production among thirty corn growers in Bachok, Kelantan, and the relationship between demographic profiles and awareness levels was examined. Data were collected through a structured survey and analysed using correlation and regression techniques. The findings revealed that corn growers generally exhibited a high level of awareness regarding silage production, particularly its role in waste reduction and livestock feeding improvement. Farm size showed a significant positive relationship with awareness of silage preservation benefits (r = 0.394, p < 0.05), while farmers rearing non-ruminant livestock demonstrated lower awareness of silage as a cost-saving feed option (r = −0.509, p < 0.01). Regression analysis indicated that yield per season significantly predicted awareness levels, whereas age, education, and income had a limited influence. These findings highlight the importance of targeted extension services and practical training programmes to enhance sustainable crop residue management through silage production in Malaysian agriculture.

Students’ Perceptions of Introductory Accounting Course and Decision to Pursue Accounting

2026-08-09T08:53:38+08:00

There has been limited research on how students perceive accounting courses and how these perceptions influence their decision to major in accounting. This study examines pre-diploma students’ perceptions of Introduction to Accounting (ACC030), an introductory accounting subject, and how these perceptions influence their choice of accounting as their major when pursuing further study at the diploma level. It examines students’ perceptions at the beginning of the semester and how those perceptions shift by the end of the semester. The study also compares whether accounting-intended students hold different perceptions of the introductory accounting course than non-accounting-intended students. Lastly, this research analyses students’ perceptions and expectations towards course performance, as well as their accounting background and initial intentions, which could relate to their decision to pursue a diploma in accounting. Survey responses from 169 pre-diploma commerce students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Pahang reveal that accounting-intended students viewed the course more positively than non-accounting-intended students at both the beginning and the end of the semester. Ultimately, students’ decisions to pursue accounting were shaped by their initial intention, their perception of the course, and its perceived difficulty.

AP_Lab:

2026-05-21T12:47:39+08:00

In laboratory courses, students' practical performance must be evaluated systematically, and records must be kept reliably, clearly, and easily accessible. This study introduces the AP_Lab system, engineered with methodologies for conducting online practical assessments and providing a storage platform to facilitate laboratory instruction and evaluation. The system combines all course requirements, including the syllabus, lab manual, assessment rubrics, Bloom's taxonomy alignment, and standard operating procedure (SOP) compliance. The AP_Lab system has several connected interfaces for entering data, recording assessments, and tracing them back. Two test-run sessions were held to evaluate the system adequacy, the usability of the user interface and the functional integrity of the navigation links. The insights gained during the test runs were considered to further improve system functionality and design. The first test run included a group of teachers who had taught in a lab to ensure that the assessment workflow was both useful and appropriate. The AP_Lab system enabled rubric-centered assessment of individual procedural performance and group teamwork behaviour, while allowing assessors to replay video evidence and store all marks, comments and evidence links in a single retrievable record. These strengthen assessment traceability and reduce reliance on fragmented paper-based marking. User evaluation indicated high acceptance among students (n = 30) and lecturers (n = 10), with excellent reliability (Cronbach’s  = 0.92 overall) and high mean satisfaction (4.21  0.5). Although lecturers rated the system slightly higher than students, the difference was not statistically significant.

Research and Publication Trend of Trust on Donations in Non-Profit Organisations:

2026-05-21T12:51:24+08:00

Recent news reports have highlighted cases of misappropriated funds and donations by administrators of non-profit organisations (NGOs) for personal gains than charity purposes. This can have a significant influence on the public's trust decisions regarding donations and contributions. The purpose of this preliminary study was to analyse the trend of academic articles of this topic. A scientometric analysis using CiteSpace was employed to retrieve data from the Web of Science (WoS) database and analysed to determine prominent authors, journals, publishers, affiliations, countries, and research areas since this is the most reputable database for journal publications. From 222,259 articles that has been published in the WoS, only 9 articles met the final search strings retrieval process and been analysed. The results revealed that India ranked first among the top ten countries with active research endeavours and publications regarding trust on donations in NGOs. Meanwhile, Elsevier emerged as a publisher with the highest number of publications. These findings serve as a strategy and framework of reference for future research by recognising the patterns and trends of current research. It also presents an evolutionary model to direct theoretical developments in this area of study.

Rhetorical Structure of Risk Management Reports of Foreign Islamic Banks in Malaysia

2026-08-10T10:00:26+08:00

This study examined the rhetorical structure of Risk Management Reports (RMRs) of Al Rajhi Bank and Kuwait Finance House. The research focused on how both foreign Islamic financial institutions present risk-related information and communicate their responsibilities through written reports. The study adopted a genre analysis approach, whereby Bhatia’s (1993) framework was applied to identify the rhetorical moves and communicative purposes in the reports. The findings indicate that both Kuwait Finance House and Al Rajhi Bank use a similar move-step structure in their RMRs. However, Kuwait Finance House provides more detailed coverage of risk management and compliance, while Al Rajhi Bank focuses more on governance and performance monitoring. Overall, this study shows the importance of effective communication in Islamic banking reports and contributes to the understanding of professional discourse in Islamic financial institutions. The findings may also help future researchers and professionals in improving report writing practices in the banking industry.

Intelligent ESL Mobile Learning:

2026-07-15T10:08:25+08:00

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in mobile learning has introduced new prospects for personalised, efficient, and adaptive educational experiences in higher education. This study examines ESL Malaysian university students’ perceptions of AI integration in intelligent mobile learning applications and their learning experience. In this study, a quantitative case study design was employed, and an online questionnaire was disseminated to 142 undergraduate students to collect data. The SPPS version 27 software was used to analyse the results. The results showed that the undergraduate students have positive perceptions toward the AI-integrated mobile learning applications for enhancing English language learning. Besides that, the findings revealed that there was a strong acceptance of AI-integrated mobile learning applications among the undergraduate students. The results indicate that although Malaysian university students have positive perceptions of AI-integrated mobile learning for ESL acquisition, successful deployment necessitates focused institutional assistance. Educators and curriculum developers need to deliver systematic education on AI literacy and ethical use to increase student involvement and limit dependency on AI technologies for language learning. Hence, the findings indicate that students are ready for AI-based mobile learning, and therefore, the adoption of AI technologies in ESL frameworks by higher education institutions is imperative to promote students’ autonomy and language proficiency.

The Ageing in Place of Housing Decision Making Factors by Generations in Malaysia

2026-08-06T22:40:32+08:00

As the world population ages, the importance of ageing in place (AIP) has become increasingly prominent, especially in urban areas like Shah Alam, Selangor. Ageing in place refers to the ability of older adults to remain in their homes and communities safely, independently, and comfortably as they age. However, despite growing interest in this concept, there remains limited research focusing on generational preferences in AIP decision-making within Malaysia. The lack of understanding of these factors presents challenges for policymakers, developers, and community planners in providing effective, inclusive housing solutions for the elderly. This research aims to investigate the future ageing-in-place housing decision making preferences across generations in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The objectives are: (i) to identify generational groups for future ageing-in-place housing decision making factors; (ii) to identify the features for future ageing-in-place housing decision making factors by generations; and (iii) to determine the most important features for future ageing-in-place housing decision making factors. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with experts and quantitative survey involving 191 respondents (Baby Boomers, Generation X, Generation Y, and Generation Z), with thematic analysis and descriptive statistical analysis used to interpret the findings. The research focuses on current and expected future ageing-in-place housing decision making preferences across generations. The findings reveal four (4) most important future ageing-in-place housing decision making factors: (1) Economics, (2) Help and Support, (3) Housing Characteristics, and (4) Neighbourhood. These provides valuable insights to inform future policies and housing developments toward age-inclusive urban planning in Malaysia.

Managing and Implementing Laboratory-Based Activities:

2026-05-24T11:08:17+08:00

This study investigates effective measures to address challenges in managing and implementing laboratory-based activities and examines the status of science teachers. Utilising a mixed-methods research design, the study explores the specific challenges and strategies encountered by science teachers in laboratory management. Data collection involved distributing questionnaires with open-ended questions to science teachers, allowing them to articulate their experiences and approaches. This method captures a wide range of viewpoints and offers deeper insights into the challenges they encounter within the laboratory environment. Key findings emphasise the critical importance of meticulous planning, effective management practices, and proactive engagement in overcoming challenges inherent in laboratory-based science education. The study identifies persistent, multifaceted challenges in laboratory management, including resource inequities such as inadequate infrastructure and outdated equipment in schools, which restrict the experimental scope and diminish learning opportunities for students. Safety compliance emerges as a paramount concern, with risks heightened by inadequate teacher training and support for maintaining stringent safety standards. Furthermore, the absence of external support, such as trained laboratory assistants and sufficient time for personalised student guidance, exacerbates these challenges. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring safe and enriching laboratory experiences that enhance student engagement and promote effective learning in science education.

Understanding the Social Behaviour of Orang Asli Students in Malaysian Multicultural Schools:

2026-05-26T22:30:55+08:00

This study explores the social behaviour of Orang Asli (OA) students within ethnically mixed school environments in Malaysia, focusing on their classroom participation, peer interactions, and leadership tendencies. A total of 94 responses were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to educators working in schools with OA student populations. The items measured perceptions of OA students' behaviour using a 5-point Likert scale across four main domains: shyness and reserved nature, classroom participation, peer relationships, and leadership. Findings indicate that OA students tend to exhibit moderate levels of shyness, particularly in formal classroom settings. They are often hesitant to speak in front of others or participate in discussions without encouragement. However, their engagement improves in familiar group settings and when teachers create a supportive and inclusive environment. Notably, OA students are more socially active during informal or non-academic school activities, where they appear more confident and expressive, especially when accepted by peers. Leadership traits were also observed to be developing. While many OA students initially avoid taking leadership roles, they demonstrate potential when provided with support and encouragement. These findings reflect the importance of fostering culturally responsive and inclusive school practices to support the social and emotional development of indigenous students. This study contributes to the broader discourse on indigenous education by highlighting the social dynamics of OA students in Malaysia’s multicultural schooling context, offering insights into improving equity, engagement, and integration for marginalised learners.

Exploring Muslim-Friendly Services and Halal Tourism in Sarawak:

2026-06-24T15:26:53+08:00

Sarawak is increasingly recognised as a promising Muslim-friendly destination, with its tourism sector actively developing to attract more Muslim tourists. Zamani-Farahani and Eid (2021) suggested that Islamic Tourism should support sustainable development by promoting ethical travel practices that align with Islamic teachings, including environmental respect and community support. Globally, many countries are capitalising on the economic potential of Muslim travellers by offering halal-certified services and amenities. This study adopts a qualitative approach to explore such opportunities in Sarawak by conducting in-depth interviews with the key stakeholders involved in the Islamic tourism sector, such as Muslim-friendly tour guides, mosque visit guides, and providers of Muslim-friendly accommodations. Additionally, insights were gathered from international Muslim tourists visiting the region. On-site observations of various tourist attractions provided further understanding of local Islamic tourism implementation of Islamic tourism packages. The findings emphasise the importance of ongoing collaboration among stakeholders and industry players to enhance the capacity of Sarawak's Islamic tourism industry. These efforts focus on addressing Muslim visitors’ needs through initiatives that standardise practices in alignment with Malaysia’s broader Islamic Tourism Industry guidelines. Such initiatives aim to build Sarawak’s reputation as a credible Islamic tourism destination. The study addresses a significant gap by providing qualitative data on the perceptions, satisfaction, and expectations of international Muslim tourists regarding Muslim-friendly services in Sarawak. It also sheds light on how local stakeholders operationalise Muslim-friendly facilities and practices in the region. Ultimately, this research highlights the potential socio-economic benefits of Islamic tourism for Sarawak and underscores the strategic role of industry cooperation in advancing Muslim-friendly tourism offerings. By fostering authentic and inclusive travel experiences tailored to Muslim tourists, Sarawak can strengthen its position within the global Islamic tourism market and contribute to sustainable regional development.

Determinants of Prosocial Behaviour among Undergraduate Students at a Public University in the Klang Valley

2026-06-24T16:55:37+08:00

Prosocial behaviour, encompassing voluntary actions like giving and helping, strengthens interpersonal relationships and contributes to a harmonious social environment. In higher education, it supports collaborative learning, psychological well-being, and a stronger sense of community. Despite its importance, limited research has jointly examined the psychological and spiritual determinants of prosociality within Malaysia’s multicultural and religiously active university environment. This study aimed to examine the predictive roles of altruistic tendency, religious practice, and life satisfaction on prosocial behaviour. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 202 undergraduate students (36 males and 166 females) from the Faculty of Education at a public university in the Klang Valley. Participants were selected using proportional stratified random sampling across four academic programmes, and data were gathered using validated self-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Pearson correlations and multiple regression. The findings revealed that students exhibited higher-than-expected baseline levels of prosocial behaviour. The multiple regression model was statistically significant, explaining 19.1% of the variance in prosociality. Notably, altruistic tendency emerged as a robust, significant positive predictor of prosocial engagement. In contrast, neither religious practice nor life satisfaction was a significant independent predictor. While life satisfaction demonstrated a weak but statistically significant positive correlation with prosocial behaviour, religious practice showed no significant correlation. These results suggest that students may view religious rituals primarily as a personal obligation rather than an internalised moral compass driving outward helping behaviour. These findings highlight the central role of internalised altruistic dispositions, aligning with the Islamic virtue of īthār (selflessness), in fostering prosociality. The study concludes that student development initiatives, policymakers, and educators should prioritise experiential moral value formation and well-being support over surface-level religious practices to effectively enhance prosocial engagement in higher education.