Journal of Advanced Research Design

Comprehensive Legislation Developing and Policy Framework for Effective Food Waste Management in Malaysia

Wong Hua Siong — 2024-06-04

The problem of food wastage is a major international issue and in Malaysia itself, a total amount of 3,000 tonnes of edible food that is still good to be consumed is been dumped in landfills every day. The problem is that currently Malaysia has no laws to address food wastage. It has been over one year since the press statement and there is yet no law being formulated. The research objectives are to identify and resolve the factors leading to food wastage; and to formulate a legal framework by way of requirements and guidelines for a draft law to combat food wastage. The research adopted a qualitative methodology by studying and comparing similar laws and strategies adopted globally, measures adopted by businesses and social organizations that could be adopted successfully in Malaysia. This research has contributed towards changing lifestyle patterns in relation to food buying, consumption and wastage. Through publications from this research, knowledge were shared on efficient food management methods and social responsibilities. Towards this end, a model law has been proposed with guidelines to the public and businesses involved in the food industry to participate in a novel excess food distribution programme as part of their corporate social responsibility. This research is therefore timely and in line with the national strategy, impacting a critical social need.

A Comprehensive Study on Building Maintenance Practices for Heritage Shop Houses in Penang, Malaysia

Lee Rin We — 2024-07-16

The preservation of heritage shop houses in Penang, Malaysia, faces a critical challenge due to the absence of regular building maintenance practices. While a few conservation efforts were prompted by severe deterioration, there is a notable deficiency in implementing routine maintenance measures. The current approach primarily intervenes when buildings reach a state of severe disrepair, neglecting the imperative for continuous upkeep and adherence to maintenance regulations. This reactive strategy not only jeopardises the structural integrity of these historic structures but also destroy their long-term preservation and cultural significance. As a result, there is an urgent need to shift towards proactive maintenance practices to safeguard the architectural heritage of Penang's shop houses and ensure their sustainable conservation for future generations. This study addresses the need to enhance building maintenance practices for heritage shop houses in Penang, Malaysia, with a focus on preserving Penang's cultural heritage to maintaining their historical authenticity. The research aimed to comprehensively assess the current state of maintenance practices, analyze faced challenges and recommend effective strategies for improvement. The findings are expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges associated with maintaining these unique structures, as well as practical recommendations for improving maintenance practices, ultimately benefiting the field of heritage conservation.

Implementation of Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance for Building Sustainability

Ahmad Danial Ahmad Subri — 2024-07-16

This research explores the role of Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance (CPM) in improving building sustainability. CPM is a technique that uses advanced sensors and data analysis to anticipate and prevent equipment failure, ensuring the system operates smoothly and efficiently. Through real examples, CPM is of benefit, for energy savings, reduced maintenance costs and extending the lifespan of building components. The research methodology outlines the systematic approach mix-method by applying survey questionnaires to the stakeholders in Malaysia and case studies in selected areas. The findings revealed that CPM can lead to significant sustainability gains in the built environment by optimizing resource use and reducing waste. Challenges encountered such as start-up costs and the need for skilled personnel were also discussed. The results also offer recommendations for successful use of CPM. In overall, this research revealed that CPM is a valuable tool for making buildings more sustainable.

Best Practices in Facilities Management to Rectify Office Building Performance Issues in Malaysia: Insights From Facilities Management Team

Ling Zhi — 2024-07-16

Malaysian facilities management (FM) faces a variety of obstacles that make it difficult for them to carry out their essential duties. These challenges are found in the domains of personnel, policies, budget, technology and equipment. The literature contains an infinite array of challenges. Thus, the goal of this research was to determine which FM approach would be most useful in addressing the challenges of attaining building performance in the Malaysian real estate market. This study used fully qualitative methods through interviews with experts. This research expands knowledge by investigating FM practices to ensure that buildings and facilities are well-maintained, operational and comply with safety and regulatory standards. The results of this study revealed that FM teams in Malaysia face critical challenges such as aging infrastructure, limited budgets and insufficient personnel training, which hinder maintenance efforts, necessary upgrades and the adoption of modern practices. Then, the effectiveness of FM teams in Malaysia is significantly influenced by technological adoption and stakeholder engagement, which collectively impact standards, efficiency and service delivery. Third, to enhance FM in Malaysia, the study recommends investing in training programs, adopting advanced management systems and predictive maintenance tools and fostering proactive stakeholder engagement. Furthermore, the findings of this study were useful to FM teams and users since they provide the best strategies for FM practitioners, based on experts’ insights in managing and maintaining office buildings in Malaysia. It is suggested that further study be conducted to study the best approach to FM in maintaining and managing the safety and regulatory standards in Malaysian office buildings.

The Appraisal of Fire Active System for Low-Cost High Rise Residential Building in Penang, Malaysia

Naziah Muhamad Salleh — 2024-07-16

Fire incidents occur in low-cost areas of residential buildings are increasing. The incidents involves life, this property will affect the residents. In addition, this study aims to evaluate management practices and compliance with safety standards in high-rise low-cost residential buildings in Penang. The objective of this paper is to assess the condition of active fire systems in low-cost high-rise buildings to comply with the standard and the law. Recommendation improvements in the fire safety aspects of low-cost residential buildings in Penang are implemented too. This research observation, fire safety audit checklist and interviews in the field. This finding emphasizes that every building's active fire system is 75 % is not working well and not maintained and some even do not follow the prescribed laws. This paper reposes to improve the active fire system, routine inspection and maintenance of the fire safety system, regular training and safety education for residents, installation of smart fire alarm systems, use of the latest technology and cooperation with the authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.

Green Strategies During Lower of Occupancy: The Best Practices of Facilities Management for Energy Optimization in Commercial Office Buildings

Muhammad Adli Mirza Faizal — 2024-07-16

The increasing global emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility has influenced the field of Facilities Management (FM). Emphasis on energy consumption during peak hours has been widely studied by many researchers. However, FM also plays an important role in optimizing the use of energy during lower occupancy periods energy. This paper explores the implementation of green strategies within FM practices to increase and optimize energy use during lower of occupancy during working hours. This paper investigates the current green strategies for energy efficiency in commercial office buildings that can be conducted during lower of occupancy. Interviews and observation are conducted for three selected buildings to collect data and analyze which practices are suitable. This research uses qualitative methods by interviewing facility managers and BO Chargeman to gather detailed information and observations to gain more understanding of the situation of research by assembling the current practices of green strategies. This result will help the data collection to be more effective in gathering varied recommendations of the best practices of green strategies on energy efficiency focusing on lower occupancy periods. At the end of this study, it will figure out the best practices of green strategies that can be implemented in building energy efficiency purposes focusing lower occupancy periods. The finding shows adaptation to technology and training to provide awareness for occupants is the best practice to empower towards facility manager in Malaysia for energy optimization approaches.