The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been proposed as an eco-friendly and cost-effective substitute for chemical and physical methods. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize silver nanoparticles using the peel extract of Citrus aurantifolia fruit, and to determine the possible phytochemical constituents’ presence in the plant extracts that might be responsible for the synthesis. Citrus aurantifolia fruit peel extraction was followed by phytochemical studies of secondary metabolites, FTIR analysis confirmation of functional groups, and GC–MS analysis. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized through bio-reduction of silver ions (Ag⁺) to silver nanoparticles using CAFPE and characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, HR–TEM, FESEM, EDX, XRD, DLS, and FTIR. The presence of plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phenols, terpenoids, and steroids was detected. The FTIR analysis of the extract revealed the presence of functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl, carbonyl, amine, and phenyl, whereas the GC–MS analysis indicated presence of chemical compounds such as 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, Fumaric acid, nonyl pentadecyl, and 4-Methyl-2-trimethylsilyloxy-acetophenone, etc., with similar functional groups. The synthesized silver nanoparticle (AgNP) has displayed the characteristics of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band peak from 360–405 nm. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and field emission scan electron microscope (FESEM) confirm polydisperse, spherical shaped, and smooth surface nanoparticles with an average size of 24.023 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis further revealed that silver is the most abundant element found in the micrograph of the nanoparticles, and FTIR analysis further confirmed the presence of different functional groups in the surface of the nanoparticle. The XRD analysis also confirmed that the nanoparticles synthesized are crystalline in nature. Based on the findings of this study, it is understood that the variety of natural compounds that are present in plant extracts of Citrus aurantifolia fruit peel can act as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. It is, therefore, concluded that Citrus aurantifolia peel extract can be potentially used for the large production of silver nanoparticles for several applications.

Background: Aedes mosquitoes are the main vector of dengue infection, a global health threat affecting millions of people annually. Conventional prevention and control methods against dengue outbreaks have only achieved marginal success. Recognizing the complex issue at hand, a multilevel participatory approach is crucial. Thus, alternative strategies that involve community engagement are increasingly being considered and attempted. While community-based vector control programs have been conducted, sustaining behavioral changes among the population remains a challenge. This study aimed to identify the specific community needs in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever as a basis to guide the development of community-driven initiatives and foster a deeper sense of ownership in the fight against dengue. Methods: Between 1 August 2022 and 30 November 2022, we conducted a study in Hulu Langat district, Selangor, using a mixed-method design. All participants consented to the study, which comprised 27 participants (FGDs) and 15 participants (IDIs). The IDIs included two participants with a history of dengue fever, one community leader, one faith leader, seven local authorities, and four district health officers. Semi-structured interviews and discussions were performed among stakeholders and community members recruited via purposive and snowball sampling techniques. All interviews were audio-recorded before being analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: These results derived from qualitative data explored the perspectives and needs of communities in combating Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Interviews were conducted with various stakeholders, including community members, leaders, and health officers. The study identified the necessity of decisive actions by authorities to address the impact of the dengue epidemic, the importance of community engagement through partnerships and participatory approaches, the potential benefits of incentives and rewards to enhance community participation, and the need for sustained community engagement and education, especially via the involvement of young people in prevention efforts. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of effective strategies against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. Conclusions: In short, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive approach involving multiple stakeholders in the fight against Aedes mosquitoes and dengue fever. The approach should incorporate efforts to raise awareness, provide practical resources, and foster community responsibility. The active involvement of teenagers as volunteers can contribute to long-term prevention efforts. Collaboration, resource allocation, and community engagement are crucial for effective dengue control and a healthier environment.

This study investigated the depth of climate change and environmental education (CCEE) in the current syllabus implemented in Malaysia from the perspectives of teachers, which is an extension to a study entitled ‘Impact of Climate Change on Children: A Malaysian Perspective’. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with a pool of teachers selected across Malaysia. Due to the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO), the respondents were chosen purposively via advertisements posted on social media that targeted science teachers who taught Forms 4 or 5 CCEE-related subjects. The interview sessions were conducted online from June to July 2021. The recorded interviews were transcribed, coded, and categorized into themes deductively based on the UNESCO-Education for Sustainable Development for 2030 toolbox. The findings yielded five themes, namely, building the capacities of educators, empowering, and mobilizing youth, accelerating local-level actions, and advancing policy. Most of the teachers perceived that the Secondary School Standards-based Curriculum (KSSM) had improved but that the focus should be on a student-centered approach rather than exam orientation. There was a lack of awareness of climate change and environmental action in the science textbook. In conclusion, a comprehensive curriculum, as well as empowerment among teachers and students in a conducive environment for CCEE can spawn proactive action by Malaysian students.

Objectives: To use a community-based participatory research (CBPR) design to explore local community behaviours and stakeholders’ challenges in engaging communities in dengue prevention behaviours in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia. Design: This CBPR design in implementation comprised in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs). Themes were identified from the data with inductive and deductive thematic analysis. Setting: FGDs were conducted in local community areas and IDIs were conducted in the local authority (LA) office and the Hulu Langat district health office. Participants: All FGD and IDI participants consented to the study, and included health authorities (n=4), LAs (n=7), community leader (n=1), faith leader (n=1), patients diagnosed with dengue (IDIs, n=2) and permanent residents of Hulu Langat who had been exposed to dengue infectious disease (FGDs, n=27). Results: The main themes were categorised into community behaviour and stakeholder challenges. The community behaviour-related themes were awareness of dengue disease and Aedes mosquitoes, perception of risk and severity, and involvement of authorities. The themes related to stakeholder challenges were resource constraints and capacity issues, jurisdictional constraints and coordination, and educational dissemination and vandalism. Conclusions: The actions of the authorities shape community and stakeholder behaviours. Effective communication, including clear and aesthetically pleasing messages, motivates individuals to take appropriate actions. It is crucial for the authorities to engage in inclusive communication and consider diverse perspectives, such as those of residents and individuals exposed to dengue infection. Authorities that provide accurate and unbiased information foster transparency and enable informed decision-making by all stakeholders.

Background: Dengue fever is endemic in Malaysia and continues to be a public health concern. Selangor was the top hit and there is a paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Bandar Baru Bangi residents regarding dengue infection. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe dengue related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of residents of Bandar Baru Bangi.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey of 152 residents from Section 3 and Section 8, Bandar Baru Bangi attending the dengue awareness events was conducted. The information on socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and their knowledge, attitude and practice on dengue fever was collected using a structured questionnaire.Results: The results showed that the residents only 52% had sufficient knowledge about the dengue vectors, signs, symptoms, and modes of transmission. However, approximately all the respondents considered dengue as serious but preventable disease to which they are vulnerable to. Television/radio was the predominant sources of information about dengue fever. Knowledge on dengue is associated with prevention practice. But the self-efficacy has a significant impact between the owner and tenant house (p=0.010, p<0.05). Female has higher self-efficacy compare to male.Conclusions: As conclusion, findings suggest that despite the residents of Bandar Baru Bangi have moderate knowledge level about dengue fever nevertheless; they still adopted the preventive measures suggested by the guidelines from Ministry of Health. Therefore, health program planners and practitioners need to identify why the dengue fever still rampant among the population.

Pesticide exposure possesses risk of genotoxicity to humans, particularly farmers. Despite accumulating evidences linking genotoxicity to pesticide exposure, epidemiological studies to address pesticide toxicity in occupationally exposed farmers in Malaysia remain underreported. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the presence of nuclear abnormalities through the assessment of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) frequencies in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional study of farmers among different agricultural activities farmers in Bachok and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, North East of Peninsular Malaysia was done to evaluate the presence of nuclear abnormalities and its correlation with their health status and farming activities. Analysis of buccal cells revealed that the frequency of MN was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in farmers as compared to controls. In contrast, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed for BNu frequency in between groups. Correlation analysis showed that apart from a significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation between the duration of fertilizers exposure and frequencies of MN (r = 0.42, P = 0.001) and BNu (r = 0.37, P = 0.02), no other correlation of various confounding factors on the formation of MN and BNu were observed. In conclusion, pesticide and fertilizers exposure may contribute to the promotion of nuclear anomalies among Malaysian farmers who are engaged in mixed plantation activities. Further assessment of larger populations is important to address and overcome the potential risk of pesticide-induced genotoxicity.