In Malaysia, pineapple has been identified as a high-value non-seasonal tropic fruit, which is one of the top five fruits that shows a promising potential in the local and export markets. The variety of pineapple chosen in this study was MD2 hybrid. This variety is promoted for industrial cultivation by Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB) because of its uniqueness as in uniformity and consistency for the size and ripeness compared to other varieties. Statistically, 90% of the pineapples in Malaysia are cultivated on peat soil while another 10% are cultivated on mineral soil. Highly weathered mineral soil lead to unfertile soil which inhibit crop growth. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to compare early growth performance of pineapple crop cultivated on mineral soil and peat soil. Based on t-test, growth performance including plant height, leaves length and leaves number showed no significant difference (p>0.05) except for leaf width. The leaf width of pineapple grown on mineral soil was significantly wider than cultivated on peat soil with significant difference of p = 0.015. The chemical analysis showed peat soil was significantly more acidic compared to mineral soil. Mineral soil was significantly higher in nutrients compared to peat soil especially the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Meanwhile, peat soil was significantly higher in phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content compared to mineral soil. From this study, it is found that with additional fertilizer, pineapple can be grown on mineral soil since the properties of soil can support the growth.

The Living Wage concept, which exceeds the minimum subsistence is one of the ways to reduce national poverty incident. This concept promotes a meaningful life while receiving better pays. This paper examines the relationship between poverty and descent life. In addition, this paper also looks at the elements in decent life based on various nations’ definition on the living wage concept. Islamic perspective from socioeconomic context has also been discussed in this article. Living with dignity, meaningful interactions and family development are among other key elements in a decent life concept. A descent life enables people to live a meaningful life and to contribute more for a better world. ABSTRAK Konsep Gaji Kehidupan Wajar (The Living Wage) yang melebihi saraan minimum adalah salah satu kaedah untuk mengurang insiden kemiskinan nasional. Selain itu, ia dilihat menyumbang kepada kehidupan manusia yang lebih bermakna di samping menerima upah atau gaji yang lebih baik. Makalah ini memperihal tentang hubung kait kemiskinan dengan kehidupan wajar. Selain itu juga makalah ini melihat elemen yang terkandung dalam konsep kehidupan wajar melalui pemerhatian tentang konsep ‘gaji kehidupan wajar’ dari pelbagai negara. Makalah ini juga melihat daripada perspektif Islam tentang kehidupan wajar dari sudut sosioekonomi. Didapati bahawa antara elemen utama kepada kerangka kehidupan wajar ialah tentang hidup bermaruah, interaksi bermakna dan pembangunan keluarga. Kehidupan wajar membolehkan manusia hidup dengan bermakna dan saling memberi manfaat kepada alam sejagat.