Latest news with #UniversitiUtaraMalaysia
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Coastal erosion closes in on village homes in Tanjung Dawai
SUNGAI PETANI: Once a quiet coastal village, Kampung Huma in Tanjung Dawai is now teetering on the edge as coastal erosion threatens residents' homes. Powerful waves and creeping coastal erosion are threatening to swallow homes, some of which now stand mere feet from the sea. Dozens of families who have lived there for decades find themselves in trouble, unsure how much longer their houses can hold against the tides. Fifty-six-year-old fisherman Abdullah Ahmad said his house, built more than 20 years ago, has suffered significant damage due to the unrelenting wave impact. "My home used to be two kilometres from the shore. "Now, the sea is right there. Even the stone breakwater that we hoped would protect us is slowly disappearing beneath the waves," he said when met. He said a storm in August last year destroyed his kitchen and toilet, forcing him and his family to evacuate. "They now live with his son, having deemed their home unsafe. "When the waves came, nearly two metres high, we fled with only some clothes and important documents. "It felt like a nightmare. We stayed at a temporary shelter for a few days before moving in with my son," he said. Abdullah is one of at least 23 families in the village facing similar struggles. With no financial means to rebuild, he said he has no choice but to wait and hope. Ailing from diabetes and unable to fish, Abdullah said the family now relies solely on his wife, who earns RM60 a day as a shop assistant. "We can't afford a new house, and it's too dangerous to move back." Checks at the village yesterday found strong waves still visibly crashing against the remaining defences, which consisted of crumbling rocks. Another villager, Suhaida Abu Hassan, 44, said recent waves on July 13 surged into homes, shaking them violently. "Every time there's a storm, our house trembles like it's a tsunami. We can't sleep. If there's a warning, we grab our things and flee to the hall. Last year, 24 families had to evacuate," she said. "Some homes are already hollowed out underneath, just waiting to collapse," she added. For Mohd Razif Nayan, 57, who has lived in Kampung Huma all his life, the erosion became critical after the 2004 tsunami. "Back then, we still had thick forests, and the water never reached our homes. But since then, the sea has been eating away at the land, year after year," he said. The makeshift breakwater, he added, offers little protection. "Waves can crash in anytime. It's too close. If nothing is done, our homes will vanish. If the sea rises at night, we might not even have time to escape," Razif warned. Ismail Dan, 45, echoed the plea for immediate action. "If our homes collapse, I wouldn't know where to bring my wife and children. "We urge the authorities to raise and reinforce the stone barrier before more homes are lost. At this rate, they won't survive the year," he said. Universiti Utara Malaysia maritime affairs expert Dr Mohammad Zaki Ahmad had previously told the New Straits Times that such coastal events have grown in frequency and severity in recent years due to climate change and gravitational tidal forces. He said the current spell of intense wave activity along the Tanjung Dawai coastline highlights the urgent need for lasting mitigation measures as erosion creeps ever closer.
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Push ahead with BRICS, economists say, despite Trump's threat
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is on the right track by embracing multilateralism and strengthening ties with rising economic powers like BRICS, as global trade tensions and geopolitical shifts continue to unfold, economists said. They said Malaysia should deepen its engagement with the Global South and move quickly towards full BRICS membership, despite warnings from the United States of possible penalties for backing the bloc. "Malaysia, for now, is doing the right thing, that is, to focus on multilateralism," said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associate Professor Dr Irwan Shah Zainal Abidin. "With the US, Malaysia should continue engaging with them through mutual respect and inclusivity without compromising our own interest," he told Business Times. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced that any country supporting the "anti-American policies" of the BRICS alliance will face an additional 10 per cent tariff. In a post on Truth Social, a platform owned by Trump Media and Technology Group, the former president said the policy would apply "without exception". Irwan said Malaysia will likely be hit with the additional 10 per cent tariff, with the impact of the reciprocal tariffs remaining uncertain. "Already, our exports fell 1.1 per cent on a yearly basis in May this year. An additional 10 per cent on top of the reciprocal tariffs will not be good for the development of the Malaysian economy. "It might impact Malaysia's gross domestic product growth forecast this year, and I think a reduction of 25 basis points for the overnight policy rate in the near future is warranted," he added. Irwan said that while global supply chains may face disruptions, no party has a genuine interest in dismantling them entirely. "For Malaysia, it is actually a blessing in disguise, if we know how to manoeuvre it well. Malaysia must play its role as a middle power, not taking sides and stay neutral," he said. Associate Professor Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid from Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School said a 10 per cent tariff by a potential Trump administration would impact Malaysia's exports. He said semiconductors, which make up about 60 per cent of Malaysia's exports to the US, would be the most affected. "Other exports like gloves, furniture and machinery will be more expensive in the US. However, whether Malaysia's products will be less competitive than other countries will only be known when other countries also completed their trade negotiations with the US. "The customers in the US eventually will have to pay more unless they find alternative sources of production," he said. Aimi said that as a trading nation, Malaysia must remain highly adaptable and strike a careful balance between its political and economic interests on the global stage. "Malaysia also needs to collaborate in a group like Asean in order to continue to be significant in multi lateral trades with all nations," he said. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the Malaysian government has carried out due diligence and scenario planning. Afzanizam said since the Trump tariff is beyond its control, the government must take a pragmatic approach in addressing the issue. "In essence, the government is still practicing non-partisan but at the same time, they are also exploring other opportunities. They need to be tactful as it is quite a fine line in respect to foreign and trade policy," he added. On whether the tariff regime would impact investor confidence, Afzanizam said foreign investors evaluate countries based on various factors. He said ultimately, they invest where they believe their capital will generate returns that exceed their initial investment. "My take is that the Malaysian government would just need to be clear on their narratives and execute them accordingly. "We have various policy documents such as Ekonomi Madani framework, New Industrial Master Plan 2030, National Energy Transition Roadmap, National Semiconductor Strategy and soon, the 13th Malaysian Plans to be tabled at the end of July," he added. Malaysia's engagement with BRICS Malaysia's involvement with BRICS, the economic bloc comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has gradually evolved from informal alignment to formal participation. In June 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia's interest in joining BRICS during a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This move marked a shift in Malaysia's foreign policy posture, positioning the country more actively within the Global South. Anwar later reinforced this intent during a working visit to Russia in September, where he met with President Vladimir Putin and discussed Malaysia's aspirations to strengthen cooperation through BRICS. Malaysia's momentum was acknowledged at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. In January 2025, the country was welcomed as one of 13 new "partner countries," a designation that allows for greater engagement in trade, investment, and policy dialogues within the bloc, though without full membership status. In April 2025, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan represented Malaysia at the BRICS Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Rio de Janeiro. There, he called for stronger Asean–BRICS linkages and emphasised Malaysia's position as a regional bridge advocating for sustainable growth, resilient supply chains, and inclusive multilateralism. Currently, Anwar is attending the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro from July 6-7, 2025, as part of his working visit to Brazil. His presence underscores Malaysia's increasing involvement in BRICS, particularly as it seeks to advance Global South interests while maintaining pragmatic ties with traditional economic partners.
Barnama
26-06-2025
- Barnama
Balancing AI Benefits And Academic Integrity
I n the rapidly advancing era of artificial intelligence (AI), tools like ChatGPT are reshaping the landscape of higher education, bringing profound changes to institutions of higher learning (IPTs) nationwide. ChatGPT offers substantial benefits as a learning tool, such as generating essays, enhancing writing creativity, analysing data, accelerating research processes, and providing instant answers to complex questions. However, this convenience also raises concerns—particularly over misuse by students who rely on the software to complete assignments automatically, without true comprehension or critical engagement. Academic dishonesty is becoming more complex, as conventional plagiarism tools struggle to detect AI-generated content. Even more concerning is the growing reliance on AI, which blurs the line between genuine student effort and machine-assisted work—raising important ethical and pedagogical questions. THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY According to Associate Professor Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad, Dean of the School of Multimedia Technology and Communication at Universiti Utara Malaysia, the philosophy of technology is to simplify and enhance capabilities—and when it comes to the issue of AI in learning, it depends on context. 'Generative AI is a technological advancement capable of producing content that previously required human thought and effort. AI can certainly generate student assignments or coursework. 'If students rely entirely on AI, it could potentially hinder their learning process. This irresponsible or unethical use of AI to complete assignments—while claiming them as original work—is referred to as 'AIgiarism' or AI plagiarism,' he told Bernama. Sharing that digital plagiarism or academic dishonesty is not a new phenomenon, Mohd Khairie said AI's development has made academic misconduct more dynamic. He noted that since generative AI gained popularity around 2022, the higher education world has become aware of and anticipated the challenges it brings. 'It is undeniable that the use of AI in learning—especially for assignment completion—has become common over the past year or two. There are students who rely entirely on AI to complete assignments or even answer tests or quizzes, especially when conducted online. 'Many students believe such actions are not wrong since AI is legal and not a prohibited technology. However, this is considered unethical because the work does not stem from the student's own cognitive effort or thinking. In fact, such conduct is regarded as a form of plagiarism. 'Typically, lecturers evaluate student assignments by measuring the similarity index, and now also through AI detection. Among the AI applications that can detect AI plagiarism are Turnitin, GPTZero, Winston AI, Copyleaks AI Detector, and he said, adding that evaluating the style, language structure, and content of assignments also helps detect breaches of academic integrity. While not denying that educators, particularly lecturers, also use AI for teaching and research purposes, he said there can be no compromise when it comes to violating the principles of academic integrity. According to him, the world of higher education upholds the practice of respecting and valuing past scholarly works. 'A scholarly work requires reading and digesting prior writings as part of the process of generating new thoughts or ideas. This is a defining feature of academic writing and a core principle of scholarly work—to acknowledge references used, at the very least by listing them in citations. 'In the context of AI being a productive tool that supports scholarly work, it is therefore ethical to clearly disclose its use and to list the AI sources used to obtain information, ideas, and so on,' he said. ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES Responding to whether IPTs have clear guidelines on AI usage by students and lecturers, Mohd Khairie said to his knowledge, the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) was among the earliest to issue brief guidance through an Advisory Note in 2023 on the use of generative AI across all Malaysian institutions. He added that in 2024, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) published more specific guidelines for educators and students on the application of generative AI. These guidelines focus on lawful, responsible, transparent, trustworthy, and ethical use of AI, grounded in values, regulations, and legislation. 'Since AI has become a foundational and routine part of the teaching and learning process, all IPTs should have clearer and more specific guidelines for generative AI. Furthermore, these guidelines should eventually align with the AI Act currently being drafted by the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO), under the Ministry of Digital,' he said. Describing the best approach as educating students to use AI ethically and responsibly—as a learning aid rather than a shortcut to complete assignments—he said the importance of awareness education, especially since AI is poised to become an essential tool for enhancing learning efficiency and productivity. 'AI should be understood not as the end product but as a process that supports students' cognitive (thinking) activities. If this understanding doesn't take root, it's not impossible that digital 'illnesses' like brainrot (mental fatigue) may affect university students. 'AI is an unavoidable phenomenon and, at the same time, a current necessity. Its exposure and practice as a learning support tool should be promoted as a value and part of the academic culture. 'A study by leading international publisher Wiley found that in 2024, AI contributed to a 72 per cent increase in academic dishonesty compared to 2021 in the United States and Canada. However, responsible and ethical AI guidance by educators has been shown to potentially reduce academic misconduct among students,' he said. AI AS PART OF THE ECOSYSTEM Meanwhile, the Malaysian Cyber Consumers Association (MCCA) views the increasing use of AI—particularly ChatGPT—among students in IPTs as a clear sign that higher education is undergoing a profound technological transformation. Its president, Siraj Jalil, said that AI is no longer a tool of the future but has already become an integral part of the current ecosystem in IPTs. 'MCCA does not see this issue as entirely a threat, nor as an opportunity without risks. It lies in a grey area that can bring either benefits or harm depending on how it is used. 'If a student uses AI to enhance their understanding of a subject, generate ideas, or organise their thoughts, it can lead to progress. However, if it is used entirely without the involvement of reasoning, critical thinking, and a sense of responsibility, then it clearly challenges academic integrity. 'Therefore, MCCA believes this is the time for IPTs to re-evaluate their approaches to assessment and learning—not to reject AI from educational methods, but to develop a framework that allows AI to be used ethically and effectively,' he explained. He noted that the concerns of some lecturers regarding this issue should also be taken seriously. MCCA has received a great deal of direct feedback from lecturers reporting a sharp increase in students submitting assignments almost entirely generated by AI. 'This not only disrupts the academic assessment process but also raises uncertainty in terms of academic aesthetics and values. The solution to this issue isn't merely to impose restrictions or punishments, but to create a more responsible academic ecosystem—one that focuses on ethics and perhaps even redefines academic benchmarks beyond AI usage. 'Every IPT should develop clear AI usage guidelines and integrate AI literacy and academic ethics modules into student orientation and professional development for lecturers. Assignments should also be restructured to emphasise process rather than just outcomes, such as through presentations, reflective portfolios, or fieldwork,' he added, noting that ethical use is shaped not by fear, but through understanding and clear guidance. At the same time, Siraj suggested that lecturers be given training on the use of AI in research and academic writing, including the importance of disclosing AI usage openly in methodology or references to safeguard academic integrity. 'Academic publications—especially journals and conference proceedings—should begin adapting their policies on AI-generated content. What matters most is striking a balance between innovation and integrity. This is to address concerns that some research content could be produced without critical review or clear AI usage disclosure,' he said. Siraj also believes that the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), in collaboration with NAIO, could formulate a national policy or official guidelines on AI usage in IPTs. He proposed that such a policy include several key components: permitted levels of AI usage, types of assignments appropriate for AI support, forms of misuse that warrant action, and AI literacy and ethics requirements for all campus communities. 'This policy should be developed inclusively, with engagement from academic experts, students, technology practitioners, and industry stakeholders to ensure it is responsive and practical. 'Responsible use of AI begins with the fundamental principle that AI is a tool—not a replacement for human reasoning. For students, responsibility begins with the awareness that learning is a process of self-development and understanding one's field, not just completing tasks for grades. 'Using AI to understand concepts or review writing structure is acceptable. But copying or generating an entire assignment without comprehension goes against the spirit and discipline of education,' he said, adding that both students and lecturers must understand the risks and threats of AI misuse, including the possibility of false information, biased algorithms, and unverified content dissemination. AWARENESS AND HIGH LITERACY Sharing his views, Muhammad Haziq Sabri, President of the Student Representative Council at Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam for the 2024/2025 session, said ChatGPT has now become a common tool among university students and has helped him significantly in completing assignments and preparing notes for exams. 'It enables note generation from lecture slides and helps in understanding certain topics. Using ChatGPT to correct grammar and sentence structure also speeds up the process of completing assignments,' he said. Rejecting the notion that the use of AI—particularly ChatGPT—is a form of academic cheating, he said it should be seen as a modern learning support tool that must be used responsibly. 'It becomes academic dishonesty when students just 'copy and paste' without understanding or modifying the content generated by ChatGPT. Almost all my friends also use ChatGPT, but not excessively—they focus on things like assignment structure and grammar checking. 'So far, I have not heard of any students facing disciplinary action for AI misuse. Most students use ChatGPT responsibly because they understand that misuse could violate the university's academic ethics policies,' he said. Muhammad Haziq noted that according to Academic Circular No. 5 of 2023, official guidelines on the use of ChatGPT in teaching and learning have been issued, adding that lecturers are encouraged to guide students on using ChatGPT ethically as a learning tool. He said the circular also stresses the importance of ensuring that AI is used to foster critical thinking, understanding, and values—not merely for copying answers—as outlined in Article 6. 'This shows that the university not only allows the use of AI but encourages its responsible use and provides guidelines,' said the Bachelor of Public Relations student from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. For Muhammad Asyraf Daniyal Abdul Halid, 24, a Master's research student in Marine Biotechnology at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, ChatGPT serves as a guide, but over 90 per cent of the work comes from the student's own effort in sourcing credible information with proper citations. 'ChatGPT really helps us search and compile necessary information, develop ideas, and get an overview of the assignments or projects given by lecturers. However, plagiarism and failure to fact-check information are common forms of misuse among students,' he added, noting that not all students in higher learning institutions have a high level of awareness and literacy when using such software.
Barnama
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Malaysia's Iran Stand Upholds Global Justice Principles
WORLD KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's stance in supporting Iran's right to defend its sovereignty following attacks by Israel is seen as appropriate and consistent with the principles of universal justice and international law. International affairs and political analyst from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, said Iran's retaliation against Israel's attacks is justified under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, which recognises the right to self-defence. 'Iran's act of self-defence is legitimate under international law, whereas Israel's attacks clearly violate that law. Therefore, Malaysia's position in supporting Iran in this context is appropriate and grounded in the principles of global justice,' he said. He was speaking as a guest on Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme on the topic, 'Iran-Israel (Rogue State) Conflict: A Spark for World War? aired tonight. Malaysia had earlier expressed concern over the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim reiterating that violence is not a viable solution. However, within the framework of universal justice, Malaysia recognises Iran's right to respond to any form of aggression that violates its sovereignty. Meanwhile, Pertubuhan IKRAM Malaysia (IKRAM) president Badlishah Sham Baharin stressed that Malaysia's position on this matter stems from its long-standing commitment to defending the rights of oppressed Palestinians. 'Malaysia has consistently defended the rights of the oppressed. For example, we have long been one of the strongest voices on the global stage advocating for the Palestinian cause. 'When this (attack) happened to Iran, Malaysia once again stood up to condemn Israel's unwarranted aggression, as there is no international law that allows one country to attack another sovereign state under any pretext,' he said.
New Straits Times
21-06-2025
- New Straits Times
Over 10,000 offenders rehabilitated through community service from 2008 to 2024
KUCHING: A total of 10,522 cases nationwide were imposed with Community Service Orders (CSOs) from 2008 to 2024, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said that of the total, 8,125 cases involved young offenders, 2,163 involved child offenders and 234 involved adult offenders. Nancy said the cases involved various offences, with the maximum CSO period imposed being 240 hours. "We've all made mistakes. "The difference is that not everyone is given a second chance, but through CSOs, we provide individuals undergoing them with the opportunity to improve themselves. "CSOs are not just alternative punishments – they serve as a space for recovery. "They help rebuild self-confidence, reshape identity, and provide a second chance to return as better members of society," she said at the Community Service Order awareness programme here today. Nancy said a study conducted by Universiti Utara Malaysia found that CSOs had a positive impact on offenders' attitudes, emotions and social integration. –Bernama
