Following a series of H5N1 cases in chickens and birds in a few states in Malaysia, there was much interest in the influenza A viruses subtypes that circulate among the local pig populations. Pigs may act as a mixing vessel for avian and mammal influenza viruses, resulting in new reassorted viruses. This study investigated the presence of antibodies against influenza H1N1 and H3N2 viruses in pigs from Peninsular Malaysia using Herdcheck Swine Influenza H1N1 and H3N2 Antibody Test Kits. At the same time, the presence of influenza virus was examined from the nasal swabs of seropositive pigs by virus isolation and real time RT-PCR. The list of pig farms was obtained from the headquarters of the Department of Veterinary Services, Malaysia, and pig herds were selected randomly from six of 11 states in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 727 serum and nasal swab samples were collected from 4- to 6-month-old pigs between May and August 2005. By ELISA, the seroprevalences of swine influenza H1N1 and H3N2 among pigs were 12.2% and 12.1% respectively. Seropositivity for either of the virus subtypes was detected in less than half of the 41 sampled farms (41.4%). Combination of both subtypes was detected in 4% of all pigs and in 22% of sampled farms. However, no virus or viral nucleic acid was detected from nasal samples. This study identified that the seropositivity of pigs to H1N1 and H3N2 based on ELISA was significantly associated with factors such as size of farm, importation or purchase of pigs, proximity of farm to other pig farms and the presence of mammalian pets within the farm.

Purpose This study aims to examine and compare the current waqf governance practices in waqf institutions in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews professional documents and literature to propose a new and practical waqf governance measurement. Waqf governance measurements were used to examine and compare the current waqf governance practices among waqf institutions in Malaysia. The annual reports of all waqf institutions under the State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs) were analysed using content analysis on the current waqf governance practices using binomial logic. Findings Overall, the results indicate moderate waqf governance practices under three waqf governance categories, namely waqf governance policy, waqf governance board and waqf governance processes. This study also found a significant impact of corporatisation reformation of waqf institutions on waqf governance practices. Research limitations/implications The findings indicate the need for all waqf institutions in Malaysia, especially for non-corporate waqf institutions, to enhance their waqf governance practices by disclosing all relevant information to the public. This is because the success of waqf fund management can be portrayed through the management’s transparency in waqf governance practices on how they deliver and use their resources to attain socio-economic objectives. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first studies that examined and evaluated the current waqf governance practices in several waqf institutions in Malaysia.

PurposeThis study presents an effort to identify and understand the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the graduate employability (GE) of Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) final year students. It examines the readiness of USIM's final year students to the internship during the lockdown period, the readiness to join GE programs and also employment prospects in the future.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was employed, and 1,445 USIM final year students participated in this study.FindingsThe findings reveal that USIM final year students are ready to perform their internship even during the lockdown period. Besides, the students are also ready to join GE programs conducted by USIM, even while COVID-19 pandemic still currently occurs. Meanwhile, for the employment prospects in the future, results show that they believed that the employment prospects in the future after COVID-19 is low. In addition, academic background and internship areas exacerbate COVID-19's impact on the perceptions of USIM final year students on the employment prospects in the future.Originality/valueThis study is believed to be a pioneering study in identifying the impact of COVID-19 on the GE. It also contributes by identifying students' readiness to perform their internship during lockdown period via work from home (WFH) approach as well as their perceptions on the employment prospects in the future.

This study aims to present an integrated Islamic financial accountability model, which is different from previous accountability models and frameworks. In this case, all three accountability aspects which are: (i) accountability to whom (accountability groups); (ii) accountability for what (accountability dimensions); and (iii) accountability on how (accountability tools and processes) were integrated into a single model. By using these three accountability aspects, this model is specifically focused on financial accountability area with additional Islamic elements that suits Islamic Social Enterprise (ISE). In order to develop this model, this study applies the comparison method on previous accountability and Islamic accountability models with additional literature inputs from financial accountability aspects and Islamic accountability perspectives. Based on the findings, this study introduces an integrated Islamic financial accountability model specifically for ISE, one of the emerging institution types under the non-profit sector. It is hoped that the integrated Islamic financial accountability model developed in this study will be implemented by the management of ISE in order to discharge their accountability especially to donors, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

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