ABSTRACT BOOK

SM01

A REVIEW ON THE EFFECTS OF AUXIN AND CYTOKININ ON THE
GROWTH OF Momordica charantia USING IN VITRO PROPAGATION

TECHNIQUE

Siti Sarah Binti Nasarudin and Farrah Nazuha Binti Mansor
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, Bestari Jaya Campus, Jalan Timur Tambahan,
45600 Batang Berjuntai, Selangor, Malaysia
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Momordica charantia, also known as bitter gourd is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family
which grows in tropical and subtropical regions. This review was conducted to investigate
the effects of auxin and cytokinin on the growth of Momordica charantia using in vitro
propagation technique. The greatest percentage of shoot regeneration (75%) was observed
with the treatment of 1.0 mg/L Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-
Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D). It also showed that 0.6 mg/L 1-Naphtalene acetic
acid (NAA) and 2.5 mg/L BAP promoted higher formation of callus (86.25%) from nodal
segments within 7 days. Other findings indicated that the best response towards shoot
regeneration obtained from the callus by nodal segments as explants of Momordica
charantia. on MS media supplemented with 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L NAA. The
highest number of root formation derived from root segments was found when treated with
1.0 mg/L 2,4‐D and 1.0 mg/L BAP after 3 days. For the effect of auxin and cytokinin on
callus formation, it was observed that all three calluses exhibited the best callogenic
response when treated with 1.5 mg/L BAP, 1.5 mg/L NAA and 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D (leaf, stem,
and cotyledon). Overall, this review supports that plant regeneration using in vitro
technique is determined by auxins and cytokinins.

Keywords: in vitro propagation; auxin; cytokinin.

40

SM02

NUTRITIONAL VALUE, PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION, AND
BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES OF AQUATIC PLANTS FROM MALAYSIA

Waithieswarry Muralitharan and Nurhafizah Ibrahim*
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor
*E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Aquatic plants are plants that inhibit in water (freshwater or saltwater). Aquatic plants are
important in aquatic ecosystems because they offer habitat and food for other aquatic
living, particularly fish. Nevertheless, interest in medicinal properties of aquatic plants has
increased due to the discovery of novel phytochemicals compounds that possessing wide
range of biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammation
activities. This article summarizes the literature relevant to the nutritional values,
phytochemicals compounds as well as the biological activities of four type of local aquatic
plants namely Pistia stratiotes, Spirodela polyrrhiza, Azolla pinnata and Eichhornia
crassipes. Within this context, the basic understanding of these four aquatic plants species
such as taxonomy and morphology were also scrutinized. The brief information presented
in this study explore the significance of aquatic plants namely Pistia stratiotes, Spirodela
polyrrhiza, Azolla pinnata and Eichhornia crassipes, as a good alternative source of plant-
based protein for human consumption, in addition to promote the development of novel
antibacterial and anti-inflammation products for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical
application.

Keywords: Aquatic plants; nutritional value; phytochemicals; biological activities

41

SM03

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HETEROTRIGONA ITAMA (KELULUT) HONEY AND ITS POTENTIAL VALUE

Muhammad Luqman Bin Zainin and Noor Asiah Hassan
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, Bestari Jaya Campus, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 456000 Bestari Jaya,

Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Malaysia local stingless bee, Heterotrigona itama or renowned as Kelulut bee creates a
path in scientific research due to its honey production. Its honey composed of active
therapeutics properties like antioxidant, antimicrobial as well as tonnes of valuable
physicochemical properties. These small size stingless bees are not only stress-free to
handle but expedient as future commodity to Malaysia. The quality of Kelulut honey is
comparable to Manuka honey as therapeutic agents. Undeniably, it worth to have an
intensive research upon the honey. A sweet sour of Kelulut honey with acidic pH (3.24-
3.71) and low moisture content offers low risk of microbes’ contamination. In addition,
this foraging bees are active in gaining its food resources from floral rich area resources in
which enhances their honey’s nutritional contents. The capacity of Heterotrigona itama to
bring more honey from flower nectar is much higher compare to their other families’
member like Tetrigona apicalis and Tetragonula laeviceps. Thus, this review is to analyze
and incorporate upon the discovery on the physicochemical such as moisture content, ash
content, pH, color intensity, electrical conductivity, phenolic content, flavonoid content
and chemical composition of this honey. Furthermore, finding uncovered that this honey
has tremendous therapeutic agents that affect the human health.

Keywords: Heterotrigona itama, kelulut honey, physicochemical, therapeutics agent

42

SM04

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ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF TOTAL PHENOLIC CONTENT AND
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTY OF AGRICULTURAL WASTES THROUGH

SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION: A REVIEW

Nur Fazleen Diana Binti Abdul Rahim and Norakma Binti Mohd Nor
Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Universiti Selangor, Bestari Jaya Campus, Jalan

Timur Tambahan, 456000 Bestari Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

A considerable amount of agricultural waste is generated each year, posing a serious
disposal concern for the environment. As a result of the abundance of bioactive molecules
in these agro-wastes, numerous ways are applied to utilise them as substrates in
fermentation. Using agricultural wastes as substrates can save production costs while also
reducing pollution. Extensive studies have been carried out to explore the enhancement of
phenolic compounds in agricultural wastes. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been
devised as a technique for the synthesis and improvement of phenolic compounds because
of their cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits. During fermentation, phenolic
compounds are either separated from the matrix of substrates by enzymatic actions or
newly synthesized by the microorganisms. The present review aims to analyse and discuss
the various studies in increasing the efficiency of phenolic extractions and antioxidant
property through SSF by using agricultural wastes as the substrates along with various
microorganisms. Also, the enzymatic activities of the microorganisms in improving the
Total Phenolic Content (TPC) of agricultural wastes were discussed. In this review, it has
been proven that SSF has great potential in enhancing the TPC and antioxidant property of
agricultural wastes along with a variety of microorganisms is utilized during the process.

Keywords: agricultural wastes; solid-state fermentation; total phenolic contents; phenolic
compounds; antioxidant property.

43

SM05

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OPTIMISATION OF XYLANASE PRODUCTION FROM RICE STRAW
THROUGH SOLID STATE FERMENTATION

Nur Sakinah Mohd Razip and Norazlina Idris*
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

University Selangor, Bestari Jaya Campus, Jalan Timur Tambahan
45600 Bestari Jaya,Selangor, Malaysia
*E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The usage of rice straw as a substrate by fungus strains for the enzyme production has
been recommended in order to minimise the overall cost enzyme production. Rice straw
has a high content of hemicellulose and cellulose that can be potentially utilised for
xylanase production. The present work is focused on optimising the production of xylanase
using two different types of rice straw, untreated and treated (2.75% NaOH-heat for
121°C, 15 mins) as a substrate to cultivate Aspergillus oryzae via solid state fermentation
for 48 hours. One-factor at a time technique is used to optimise four parameters, initial
moisture content (50%, 60%, 70%, 80%), carbon and nitrogen amount (0.1g, 0.2g, 0.3g
and 0.4g), inoculum level (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) and incubation temperature (28°C,
31°C, 34°C, 37°C). The results obtained show that the optimum condition for xylanase
production using untreated rice straw is 50% of initial moisture content, 0.2g of carbon and
nitrogen amount, 1% of inoculum level and temperature of 28°C meanwhile for treated
rice straw is 60% of initial moisture content, carbon and nitrogen amount at 0.1g, 3% of
inoculum level and temperature of 31°C for 48 hours in SSF. Under controlled conditions,
xylanase activity by Aspergillus oryzae is found to be slightly higher when using untreated
rice straw, 0.543 ± 0.015 U/ml but there is no significant difference when compared to
treated rice straw, 0.445 ± 0.061 U/ml.

Keywords : solid state fermentation; xylanase; Aspergillus oryzae

44

SM06

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EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF CRUDE
EXTRACTS AND BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS DERIVED FROM

Andrographis paniculate

Fikri Haziq Zaidi and Siti Hasmah Mohtar
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life

Sciences, Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan,
45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
E-mail : [email protected]

Abstract

Medicinal plants have been used as traditional medicines to cure several infectious diseases.
Various plant extracts and bioactive compounds of medicinal plants have shown potential as
antimicrobial agents against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Andrographis paniculata is one of
the valuable medicinal plants that possess a variety of pharmacological properties. The
present study aimed to evaluate the potential of Andrographis paniculata as an antimicrobial
agent based on data gathered from previous scientific studies. The study had focused on the
efficacy of the Andrographis paniculata crude extracts and their bioactive compounds as an
antimicrobial agent against selected pathogenic microbes. The efficacy of Andrographis
paniculata as an antimicrobial agent was influenced by the type of solvent used for the
extraction of crude extracts. The methanol extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves
exhibited the most significant antibacterial activity against several bacterial species.
Furthermore, several bioactive compounds isolated from Andrographis paniculata
demonstrated a significant role in inhibiting microbial activity. A bioactive compound
identified as andrographolide has been recognized as a potential antimicrobial agent that
possess a variety of inhibitory effects against selected pathogens. The current findings
indicate that Andrographis paniculata has potent antimicrobial properties either as a plant
crude extract or isolated as a bioactive compound.

Keywords : Andrographis paniculate; antimicrobial agent; crude extracts; bioactive
compounds

45

SM07

PHOTO

A REVIEW ON APPLICATION OF FISH WASTE-DERIVED PEPTONE IN
MICROBIAL GROWTH MEDIUM AND ITS EXTRACTION METHODS

Chandru a/l Arumugam1 and Nur Akmal Suliman1
1Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,

Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor
Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Variety of hydrolysis methods used to produce peptone. The conversion of fish waste into
higher-value products, such as peptones, to make better use of them. This produce peptone
at a cheaper cost than commercial peptone. Fish waste peptone can be used for microbial
growth. Previous study states that biosurfactant levels were superior in the fish waste-
based medium compared to the traditional medium's yield. The purpose of this study was
to compare the amino acid content and peptone production from saltwater fish, freshwater
fish and commercial peptone. This study also aims to review the best peptone extraction
method for the selected sources. The review was done systematically comprising
formulation of questions and objectives, literature search, inclusion screening, quality
assessment, data extraction and analysis. The swamp eel is the best for freshwater fish
species reviewed, because it provides content of amino acids that promote microbial
growth. In comparison to Catfish (5.66 %) and River catfish (14.72 %), Swamp eel has
higher peptone production (14.72 %). Asian swamp eel is common in Malaysia as it is
consumed widely. For saltwater fishes, Mackerel is the best of the three examined due to
its increased peptone production compared to Tiger groupers and Parrot fish. Papain
enzyme was used to extract peptone from swamp eels. Peptones derived by acid hydrolysis
have a poor concentration of amino acids. The swamp eel is best option compared to other
fish type.

Keywords: fish waste derived peptone, enzymatic hydrolysis, acid hydrolysis

46

SM08

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ROLE OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN DIABETIC TREATMENTS: A REVIEW

Dharshini Ravendran and Nurhafizah Ibrahim
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that cause high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia
because of pancreas does not produce enough insulin or problem in insulin action or both.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021, about 422 million people
have diabetes globally. In Malaysia, DM is ranked at 9th place as the leading causes of
deaths with 4635 deaths in 2018. Apart from death, blindness, renal failure, heart attacks,
stroke and lower limb amputation are the major complication of diabetes. This study
overview of diabetes mellitus in terms of types, risk factors, symptoms, and complication.
Moreover, the current and future diabetic treatments using biotechnological techniques
will be identify and compared. DM is categorised into 3 types, namely Insulin Dependent
Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or type 1 DM, Non- insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
(NIDDM) or type 2 DM and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). There are 4 common
factors that contribute to DM are lifestyle, weight management and genetic. DM patients
usually exhibit symptoms such as the urge of urination, thirst, sudden weight loss, blurred
vision, and increased hunger. Typically, lifestyle change, diet and exercise are the
recommended treatment for DM patients. Nevertheless, oral antidiabetic drugs such as
Metformin, Glibenclamide, Acarbose, Repaglinide, and Sitagliptin, and insulin injection
are also available. Over the past years, biotechnology industries have been endeavoured to
develop new diabetes treatments using biotechnological techniques. Optimistically, the
future therapies will be accessible to limit the growing trend of DM disease.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; diabetes treatment; antidiabetic drugs; insulin

47

SM09

TECHNIQUES TO PRODUCE POLYPLOIDY SPECIES IN
AQUACULTURE: A REVIEW

Nurul Elisa Abd Samad and Intan Faraha A Ghani
Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Universiti Selangor,

45600 Bestari Jaya Selangor.
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Aquaculture stability is one of the best ways to produce the source of protein from animals
while using the least amount of grain possible, and it has proven to made a significant come up
to global security of food and nutrition for human being. The aquaculture industry's major
purpose is to increase the output of fish and other aquatic products since the current product are
not sufficient to meet the demand. Polyploids have three or more complicated sets of
chromosomes (genomes). Fish have a higher rate of polyploidy than other animals. Heat shock,
cold shock, pressure shock, chromosomal modification, sex control, and hybridization are some
of the procedures used to produce polyploidy. This study is to analyse polyploidy and ploidy
manipulation products and potential polyploidy threats in the future, the efficiency or the
method and the benefit of polyploidy. This review has been conducted with a large quantity of
information was gathered from a range of sources, including books, websites, and online
journals, all of which provide accurate information on aquaculture polyploidy procedures.
Polyploidy has numerous advantages, including increased aquaculture production, increased
growth rate, and the creation of sterile animals. Polyploidy's downsides include the disruptive
effects of nuclear and cell enlargement, the inclination of polyploid mitosis and meiosis to
produce aneuploidy cells, and epigenetic instability that leads to transgressive (non-additive)
gene regulation. Cold shock has the highest survival rate, with a 98.7% success rate, according
to studies. Physical and chemical therapies, on the other hand, are not the same as natural factors
that can lead to aneuploidy. Despite the hazards and obstacles to the species and habitat,
polyploidy products have a high possibility of commercialization. In conclusion, polyploidy
gives much benefits in aquaculture industry and it requires a lot more innovation for the industry
to evolve.

Keywords: Aquaculture; Polyploids; Fish; Ploidy

48

SM10

PHOTO

PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF REDCLAW CRAYFISH, CHERAX
QUADRICARINATUS USING MITOCHONDRIAL DNA MARKERS

Ainina Ahmad Rozy and Roshani Othman
Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences, Universiti Selangor,

45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The Cherax quadricarinatus, or more known as the Redclaw crayfish, endemic to the
freshwater lakes of Northern Australia and has made its way into the aquaculture industry
here in Malaysia. Unfortunately, research on the genetic taxonomy of this species has been
lacking as well as the genetic diversity within this species and other species. This research,
the effectiveness of cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI), cytochrome B (cytB) and 16S
rRNA genes as markers are studied in this phylogenetic study of the freshwater crayfish.
The crayfish DNA sequence samples were obtained from prior research and were all
retrieved from GenBank. Using MEGA X (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis)
software, all samples were examined for sequence ambiguity. The result from all three
phylogenetic analyses has shown the genetic analysis and distance related to the C.
quadricarinatus with several more species of crayfish and closely related organisms based
on sequence collected from the GenBank from NCBI. This study also proves that
cytochrome oxidase-I (COI), cytochrome b gene (cyt-b) and 16S rRNA gene are efficient
markers to amplify sequences of Cherax crayfish.

Keywords: Cherax quadricarinatus; Redclaw crayfish; Phylogenetic; Molecular marker

49

SM11

PHOTO

APPLICATION OF VITELLOGENIN ASSAY SYSTEM IN
AQUACULTURE: A REVIEW

Muhammad Fikri Abdul Hadi and Roshani Othman
Department of Science and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Life Sciences,
Universiti Selangor, Jalan Timur Tambahan, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Aquaculture industry had become one of the most important and rapid growing industry in
Malaysia. Aquaculture provide a good structure for economic growth, protect aquatic
habitat and endangered species, and also becoming the important sources of food for the
country. Research shows that Vitellogenin assays system would have benefits and
applications towards the aquaculture industry. This research aims to review the available
vitellogenin assays, the application towards the aquaculture and problems that develops in
evaluating data in the vitellogenin assays. The data were collected and reviewed from
articles, journals and other reliable sources related to the vitellogenin assays. Tables of
summarized data had been develops respectively according to the objectives. Enzyme-
linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) had become the most common methods to be used
in the vitellogenin assays. The vitellogenin assays system used up qualitative and
quantitative methods to produce higher efficiency and reliable result. Each method would
have own benefits and application in aquaculture. The ability of vitellogenin assays that
can detect the endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that presence in the aquatic
environment had become the important application towards aquaculture. On this basis,
vitellogenin assays becoming a crucial part to be applied in aquaculture. Further
developments of the technology would massively improve the application of vitellogenin
assays.

Keywords: vitellogenin; aquaculture; endocrine disrupting chemicals

50

SM12

PHOTO

A RUCHEWEYH DERIVATIVE OPERATOR DEFINE BY ODD UNIVALENT
FUNCTIONS WITH NEGATIVE COEFFICIENT

Abdul Hamid bin Abdul Halim and Mohd Nazran Mohammed Pauzi
Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science,

Universiti Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The main topic of the research is regarding the class of analytic function in which is
univalent in the open disc. The main objective of the research is to analyse the new
subclasses of univalent odd function derived by a Ruscheweyh Derivative Operator. The
coefficient bounds of the functions in this class of function are estimated in this study.
Some definitions and known results, which are required in the subsequent chapter, are
presented. The concepts of a complex number, analytic function as well as univalent
function are stated in the research as a fundamental knowledge relating to this odd
function. Relevant linkages are made with previously known results.

Keywords: Univalent functions, Odd functions, Analytic functions

51

SM13

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THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AWARENESS, ATTITUDE AND
NEEDS OF FOOD DELIVERY RIDERS TOWARDS ROAD
SAFETY

Muhammad Qayyum Yahya and Che Manisah Mohd Kasim
Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life

Science, Universiti Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The take-out food delivery service industry in Malaysia has developed at an amazing
speed. It was recognized as an emerging force, as the demand for related services is
expected to remain high even after the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the number
of crashes and death related to food delivery in Malaysia increases each year until now.
This is important to ensure the understanding of the food delivery rider's awareness,
attitude and needs towards road safety. Therefore, this study will focus on food delivery
riders towards road safety in order to decrease the number of crashes and deaths of food
delivery riders. Thus, food delivery companies need to understand what factors might
influence the increasing number of deaths of food delivery riders. The objective of this
research is to study the relationship between awareness, attitude and needs of food
delivery riders towards road safety. Data were collected using a valid and reliable
questionnaire, consisting of four sections that are demographic information, food
delivery rider awareness, attitude and needs. Collected data were analyzed using the
Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. From the
findings, the researcher found out that there is a relationship between the attitude and
needs of food delivery riders to their awareness towards road safety. On the other
hand, recommendations will be developed to assist future researchers.

Keywords: Food delivery rider, awareness, attitude, needs, road safety

52

SM14

SERVICE QUALITY ON DYNAMICS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
TOWARDS TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDERS IN MALAYSIA DURING

MCO: A CASE STUDY IN KLANG VALLEY

Nuraini MD Said and Sharifah Zuraidah Syed Abdul Jalil
1Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science,

Universiti Selangor
Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Malaysian urbanites accelerated their adoption of digital technologies, especially platforms for
purchases purpose including food deliveries and online shopping. Many also relied on streaming
video sites as a means of passing time while confined to their homes. Coupled with the extra
load of online education and video conferencing, Malaysia’s internet traffic rose by 23.5% in
the first week of the Movement Control Order (MCO) alone, corresponded with a drop in
average download speeds from 13.7 Mbps in early February to 8.8 Mbps in late March as each
additional activity took a toll on national digital infrastructure. Local telecommunications and
internet service providers moved quickly to combat internet disruptions and improve network
performance, for example by upgrading wireless backhaul to fibre optic connections. This
research project investigated customer satisfaction towards telecommunication providers during
Movement Control Order (MCO). The result from this study could provide useful information
for the telecommunication industry to improve their services. The major objective of this
research project is to analyze the level of customer satisfaction in service quality of
telecommunication providers in Malaysia during MCO. In this study, the service quality
(SERVQUAL) model was developed. The variables involved in this SERVQUAL model,
including reliability, assurance, responsiveness, tangibility and empathy. Statistical analysis
were used to analyze the data such as descriptive analysis, cross-tabulation, correlation and
multiple regression analysis. A result from the regression analysis revealed that there is a strong
correlation between customer satisfaction and service quality dimensions.

Keywords: Customer Satisfaction; Multiple Regression Analysis; SERVQUAL;
Telecommunication Provider; Movement Control Order
53

SM15

A LINEAR PROGRAMMING APPROACH IN PROFIT MAXIMIZATION FOR
RSS DELEK FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTION
Nurul Ashikin Yadri Shah and Zuraini Ayop

Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science,
Universiti Selangor

E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract

This study used a linear programming approach to solve the profit maximization problem
for frozen food that is being held at RSS Delek Frozen Food. There were 5 types of frozen
food involves which are karipap, apam, pau, keria, and cucur badak. The profit for each
frozen food is RM3.00 for karipap, RM3.50 for apam, RM2.50 for pau, RM2.00 for keria,
and RM4.00 for cucur badak. By using the linear programming approach, the profit was
successfully maximize compared to the current profit.
Keywords: Linear programming, Profit Maximization, LP model, Excel Solver

54

SM16

ASSESSING THE EFFECT OF WORK FROM HOME ON EMPLOYEE
MOTIVATION DURING COVID-19 MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER

Sauntaria Subramaniam and Yati Ashikin Abdul Wahab
Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science,

Universiti Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a global lockdown affecting the economic cycle in all
countries. Employees of public and private organizations were forced to work from home
during the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak leading to challenges in motivation. This study
focuses on the effect of work from home on employee motivation during the Covid-19
Movement Control Order (MCO). The main objective of this study is to identify the
factors that affect employee motivation when work from home and the level of motivation
based on influencing factors. A quantitative method was carried out with about 200
employees who are working from home in Malaysia through google form. The collected
data were analyzed by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and
Microsoft Excel. In this research, reliability test, normality test, Independent sample t-test,
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), correlation and multiple linear regression analysis have
been used to interpret the collected data. From the findings, the researcher found out that
there is a relationship between employee motivation and the factors that influence
employee motivation such as technical support, financial support, training support, human
resource support and manager’s trust. Therefore, the results from this study could be useful
information for all the organizations to improve their employees’ motivation when work
from home.
Keywords: Work from home, employee motivation, Covid-19, Movement Control Order

55

SM17

PHOTO

SOLVING AN OPTIMIZATION PROBLEM OF A SMALL BUSINESS BY USING
LINEAR PROGRAMMING APPROACH

Zuriyah Abd Hamid and Zuraini Ayop
Science and Biotechnology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Life Science,

Universiti Selangor
E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

The study aims to develop a linear programming model to calculate the maximum profit of
a small business by Deesya Kitchen and to determine the number and type of menu that
should be produced. This study also would aid them in profit maximisation, increasing
profit margins and organisational growth and expansions. Simplex method excel solver
was used to obtain the result. Deesya Kitchen made a profit of RM115 a day. However,
Deesya Kitchen's profit increased by 30.62% which is RM35.21 after using the linear
programming approach method, amounting to RM150.21 per day. The analysis was
carried out and the result showed that Deesya Kitchen should produce 3 units of Chinese
fried rice, 13 units of meatball fried rice, 10 units of geprek catfish rice and 2 units of
geprek tilapia rice a day to maximize the profit of RM150.21 per day. Based on the
analysis carried out in this research work and the result shown, Deesya Kitchen should
produce more on 4 menus (Chinese fried rice, meatball fried rice, geprek catfish rice,
geprek tilapia rice) in order to maximize profit because they contribute mostly to the profit
earned by the company and increases profit margins by day end.

Keywords: Linear programming model, Simplex method, Optimal result

56

THANK YOU

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