Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space

Landslide Pattern Analysis in Penang Island using Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN) approach in Quantum GIS (QGIS)

Tharshini Murthy — 2025-11-20

Landslides, characterized by the sudden and often rapid movement of rock, soil, debris, or a combination of these materials down a slope or inclined surface, present a considerable danger to humans, animals and the environment. Their potential to cause widespread destruction and loss of life underscores the urgency of visually analyzing their distribution patterns, particularly in regions like Malaysia. To effectively manage and control landslip occurrences, this study proposes the establishment of a landslide monitoring system in high-risk areas, utilizing computer-generated models to evaluate geographical distribution patterns. This approach is vital for competent landslides management. The core objective of this research is to evaluate the spatial arrangement of the distribution pattern, discerning whether it manifests clustering or dispersion. The investigation focuses on 43 recorded landslide incidents spanning 12 years across Penang Island. The spatial mean center of landslip episodes assumes a central role in spatial pattern analysis. The findings reveal a clustered pattern in the study area, evident through an average nearest neighbor (ANN) ratio of less than 1, accompanied by a z-score of -2.196005. The nearest neighbor ratio stands at 0.82. Furthermore, the mean center for landslide incidents on Penang Island is situated at coordinates 100.272704 (longitude) and 5.389421 (latitude). Subsequently, nine landslide conditioning factors, identified through prior studies, were selected. These factors are employed to distribute landslide incidents on parameter layer maps, aiding in pinpointing high occurrence areas based on each parameter. Future studies should adopt a comprehensive perspective and attain a profound understanding of specific slope conditions in Penang Island, enabling the effective implementation of mitigation measures that align with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG13 – Climate Action). This goal emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience and reducing disaster risks.

Keywords: Average Nearest Neighbor (ANN), landslides, landslide conditioning factor, Penang Island, spatial mean centre, spatial pattern analysis

Flood mitigation as social investment: Leveraging SROI for sustainable disaster management in Sungai Muda, Kedah

Dona Raihana Don Ramli — 2025-11-20

Evaluating the value generated from the flood mitigation projects is crucial in assessing the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability. The current economic landscapes have faced significant challenges, primarily due to resource scarcity coupled with escalating demands. This scenario has intensified pressure on disaster management, impacting both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. A significant obstacle in securing funding for these projects is the challenge of demonstrating their value, return on investment, particularly since the outcomes often pertain to "soft outcomes" or "intangible value," which are inherently difficult to quantify. Therefore, there is an increasing recognition to incorporate the three pillars of sustainability social, economic and environmental elements into every investment decision related to flood disaster management. This approach not only supports resilience and long-term impact but also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article investigates the Sungai Muda Flood Mitigation Project as a case study to evaluate the application of the Social Return on Investment (SROI) methodology. The findings markedly positive net social benefit, quantified as a social return value of RM4,892,641,540.00, indicating that the program generates RM4.88 in social benefits for every ringgit invested which consists of social, economic and environmental elements. This positions the project as a substantial social investment that yields significant measurable social value for individuals, communities and society at large. Consequently, the SROI framework emerges as an invaluable tool for stakeholders including government agencies, project managers, investors and corporate social responsibility initiatives seeking to assess sustainability from a financial approach. By fostering a holistic understanding of value in flood disaster management, stakeholders can make informed decisions that strengthen the performance and sustainability of their investments.

Keywords: Flood disaster management, flood mitigation projects, social investment, Social Return on Investment (SROI), three pillars of sustainability

The living heritage site Kudus Kulon: A case study on muslim community and cultural continuity in Indonesia

Astari Wulandari — 2025-11-20

This study explores how the Muslim community in Kudus Kulon responds to urban planning pressures, commercialization of heritage spaces and shifting demographics. Cultural continuity is sustained through regular religious events, preservation of historic architecture and strong emotional ties to inherited traditions. These practices reinforce the community’s identity and support Kudus Kulon’s status as a living heritage site It focuses on how the community-oriented initiatives play an important role in the area's identity as a "living heritage" site, where religious and cultural events keep pace with the rapid movement of change that is sweeping through this cityscape. The research design takes a qualitative approach since the tool for gathering detailed data concerning the community's roles in preserving tangible and intangible heritage will be in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and direct observations that involve 32 informants. The data reveal the dynamic heritage preservation process in which social, spatial and psychological dimensions interlink and is driven by religious and cultural caretakers, local foundation and residents through active participation. Examples of cultural continuity include the annual Buka Luwur Sunan Kudus ritual, preservation of the historic Menara Kudus Mosque and communal gatherings such as kenduri and pengajian kampung. These practices reflect the community’s commitment to sustaining heritage through religious devotion, spatial preservation and intergenerational transmission. This study brings into perspective the importance of the core community for sustaining cultural traditions in the process of modernization, which can give a nuanced understanding of how Islamic heritage keeps alive in Kudus Kulon. The insight gained from this investigation gives wider discourse on the sustainability of living heritage districts and the ongoing dialogue between tradition and change which accordance to the sustainable development goals 11 aims to make urban areas inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Keywords: Community participation, cultural continuity, islamic heritage, living heritage, muslim community

Exploring the rationality and potential mismatches in the tourism driven economic development of Shanxi, China: An input-output analysisis

Song Liangkai — 2025-11-20

As Shanxi Province transitions from a resource-dependent economy to one increasingly driven by tourism, assessing whether its tourism spatial structure generates coherent and equitable economic benefits is vital. This study applies an input-output framework combined with spatial econometric methods to evaluate the rationality of Shanxi’s tourism development. By constructing a Tourism Economic Linkage Model, the research measures how tourism investments translate into local economic linkages, backward and forward multiplier effects and inter-industry connections. Findings reveal significant mismatches between planned tourism clusters and the actual distribution of economic benefits. While some cities exhibit strong input-output linkages that amplify tourism’s local impact, others remain poorly integrated, resulting in resource misallocation and limited spillover effects. The Spatial Mismatch Index (SMI) further quantifies these disparities, highlighting zones where benefits fail to materialize as intended. This analysis underscores the need for policymakers to look beyond spatial blueprints and measure how tourism spending circulates within local economies. By demonstrating how input-output analysis can be combined with spatial techniques to detect structural gaps, this study provides empirical evidence to refine regional tourism strategies, strengthen supply chains and promote more balanced regional development. The findings offer practical insights for Shanxi and similar regions seeking to ensure that tourism’s promise of sustainable growth is realized through effective economic linkages and spatial coherence.

Keywords: Comprehensive evaluation function, input-out analysis, rationality evaluation, Spatial Econometric Model, Spatial Mismatch Index (SMI), tourism spatial structure

Visitors' experiences of smart heritage tourism in Ipoh Old Heritage Town: The role of smart city initiatives

Mohamad Aiman Irfan Lutfir Rahman — 2025-11-20

Nowadays, changing visitor demands for high-tech services and enhanced experiences require new approaches to tourism development. Smart tourism arrives at a timely moment to offer innovation-driven technology; however, challenges in meeting visitors’ needs for technology adoption arise, while cost efficiency and limited information about visitors’ demographics pose additional constraints. Ipoh Old Heritage Town is preparing for smart heritage tourism to boost its popularity and attract more visitors and investors. Inspired by these challenges, this paper aims to evaluate visitors’ experiences with smart heritage tourism elements in Ipoh Old Heritage Town within the context of smart city initiatives. The study employed a questionnaire administered using Google Forms to 100 participants. The analysis of perceived experiences (perceptions) was based on a 6-point Likert scale. The findings reveal that the visitors are moderately to highly satisfied with 21 assessed elements, with mean values ranging from 3.57 to 4.80. Those elements include internet coverage (4.80), e-hailing services (4.72), road signs (4.71) and trash bins (4.43). No element was rated as highly satisfied (a mean above 5.17), thus indicating room for interventions, in particular at the development planning review stages. This study contributes to empirical research on smart heritage tourism in Malaysia, benefiting tourism stakeholders including visitors, businesses and the local community by providing insights into the importance of visitors’ perceptions and engagements and ensuring the long-term sustainability of historical building assets.

Keywords: Heritage buildings, IoT, Ipoh Old Heritage Town, smart heritage tourism, smart city initiatives

Leaving no one behind: Financial capability and the Temuan elderly in urban Selangor

Nor Hafizah Mohd Fizer — 2025-11-20

Financial capability is a vital dimension of human well-being, particularly for vulnerable populations like the indigenous elderly. Despite ongoing interventions, the Orang Asli continue to face significant financial challenges exacerbated by rapid urban development and land conversion. This mixed-method study explores the financial capability of the Orang Asli Temuan elderly by examining their demographic background and financial resources. Quantitative data were collected from a survey of 261 respondents aged 50 and above, while qualitative data were gathered through interviews with 38 key informants. The research was conducted in eight villages across two districts in Selangor, Petaling and Kuala Langat. Findings reveal that a weak financial background affects the overall financial capability of the Temuan elderly. Internal factors (human capital, financial resources and socio-cultural support) and external factors (environmental changes and government programmes) are key determinants of their financial capability. Although, the elderly Temuan tend to have fewer possessions than the average mainstream community, they are able to cope due to the strong social and cultural support from their family and community. The concept of collective and socio-cultural solidarity is pivotal in reducing their vulnerability and ensuring their sustainability. To strengthen active ageing measures for the community, it is crucial to enhance their financial capability through approaches that are participatory and culturally sensitive. Empathic engagement by authorities, can lead to the establishment of appropriate and timely measures, such as programmes related to lifelong learning or livelihood opportunities, that can reduce their vulnerability.

Keywords: Active ageing, capability approach, financial capability, Orang Asli Temuan elderly, sustainability, urban development

Living with multiple stressors: The story of small-scale fishers’ wives in Indonesia

Augustina Situmorang — 2025-11-20

Fishing is widely recognised as one of the world’s most hazardous and male-dominated occupations. Daily uncertainty, fluctuating income and exposure to multiple stressors mark the livelihoods of small-scale fisher families. While fishermen face the risks of physical danger and seasonal instability, their wives often bear the hidden burden of sustaining the household’s social and economic stability. This study aims to: (1) identify the multiple stressors experienced by small-scale fishers’ wives in Indonesia; (2) examine the coping strategies they employ to sustain family well-being; and (3) explore how they perceive an ideal fishing family. The study was conducted among fishers’ families in three regencies of Indonesia: Demak in Central Java Province, Tapanuli Tengah in North Sumatra and Kepulauan Sula in North Maluku. Data collection took place between September 2020 and March–May 2021, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, with adjustments made due to COVID-19 restrictions, including virtual focus group discussions and interviews. Descriptive analysis was applied to quantitative data and thematic analysis guided the qualitative findings. Our study shows despite the men's central roles in fishery, when families are facing significant stressors, it is the women who are in charge of keeping the family’s functions. The burdens on the fishermen's wives are multiplied, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of recognising women's adaptive capacity in ensuring household resilience and gender-responsive coastal policies.

Keywords: COVID-19, family resilience, family stressor, fisherman wives, multiple stressors

ESG disclosure and form performance under transition risk: Evidence from Malaysia’s energy sector

Noraini Moktar — 2025-11-20

This study investigates how environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure influences firm performance in Malaysia’s energy sector, emphasizing the moderating role of transition risk. Using panel data from 2012–2022 for seven publicly listed energy firms, three performance measures: Tobin’s Q, Return on Assets (ROA) and Sharpe Ratio were analyzed. Results indicate that ESG disclosure quality significantly enhances firm valuation and profitability, though environmental disclosure negatively affects risk-adjusted returns in the short term. Transition risk moderates the ESG–performance relationship, highlighting firms’ capacity to manage policy and technological uncertainties during energy transition. The findings contribute to emerging-market literature by integrating transition risk into the ESG–performance nexus. Policy implications include aligning ESG reporting with Bursa Malaysia and IFRS/ISSB standards, improving investor screening for green finance and encouraging firms to enhance transparent communication strategies to attract sustainable capital.

Keywords: Energy sector, ESG, Malaysian stock’s market, transition risk

Empowering young palm oil smallholders: A local wisdom module to support Sustainable Development Goals

Rosniza Aznie Che Rose — 2025-11-20

This study investigates the socio-economic implications of declining palm oil fruit prices on the livelihoods of Felda settlers, while proposing a strategic framework to empower young smallholders through the application of local wisdom. Anchored in the theories of community resilience and sustainable agriculture, the research aims to develop a culturally grounded local wisdom module that addresses the vulnerabilities of smallholder communities and supports the achievement of SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Using a quantitative design, data were collected from 234 settlers in Felda Palong 6, Gemas, Negeri Sembilan through structured surveys and supported by field observations. Findings reveal that 82 percent of respondents experienced income reductions exceeding 30 percent, and 67 percent reported a substantial decrease in purchasing power. Despite these challenges, 54 percent adopted adaptive financial behaviors such as increased savings and frugal expenditure. The study highlights the potential of local knowledge, rooted in collective values and traditional practices, as a community-based resilience mechanism. The development of a youth-oriented empowerment module grounded in local wisdom addresses a critical gap in rural development discourse that often sidelines culturally embedded knowledge systems. These findings provide theoretical and practical contributions towards integrating indigenous knowledge into sustainable development strategies for the palm oil sector.

Keywords: Economic resilience, local wisdom, motivation, palm oil smallholders, SDGs, SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Linking social capital with human capital: A study of oil palm labour in Malaysia

Kim Ling Geraldine Chan — 2025-11-20

Oil palm labour decline since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 demonstrates the urgent need to increase, develop and strengthen local oil palm labour and human capital. However, there are few studies on the development of human capital within the social context, i.e. social capital context, which is the sociological approach to study human capital in relation to social capital. Based on sociologically based social capital theories by Coleman and Granovetter in this article discusses some findings from a recent qualitative study that conducted interviews on some oil palm smallholders involved in oil palm production in Malaysia. The research objectives are 1) to evaluate the link between social capital and human capital in terms of how social capital creates human capital and 2) to identify the kinds of social and human capital. By applying thematic analysis, some key findings are that particular kinds of social capital such as social networks, trust, and shared norms and values develop and sustain particular kinds of human capital such as knowledge, skills and experiences relating to oil palm production. The findings have implication in terms of policy making emphasising on social context to create and sustain oil palm labour and human capital for sustainable oil palm sector growth in Malaysia.

Keywords: Human capital, oil palm labour, oil palm sustainability, social capital, social networks

Why are Malaysian youth migrating? Exploring the factors behind migration

Uma Thevi Munikrishnan — 2025-11-20

Malaysia has been experiencing serious brain drain for several years, with many highly skilled and educated youth choosing to migrate abroad looking for better opportunities. The study proposes a quantitative approach to investigate the factors driving Malaysian youth to emigrate. A total of 257 responses were collected for data analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-Sem). The findings revealed that the labour market, quality of life and career prospects positively significant at 0.05% influence cultural adaptation, while cultural adaptation positively influences the desire of Malaysian youth to work abroad. Cultural adaptation mediates the relationship between the labour market, quality of life, career prospects and the intention to work abroad. Moreover, cultural adaptation has the greatest impact on the intention to work abroad; career prospects have a medium impact on cultural adaptation; and the labour market and quality of life have a minor impact. The study sheds light on the causes of accelerated brain drain among Malaysian youth and makes various recommendations as well as limitations for the study and future research prospects.

Keywords: Brain drain, career prospects, cultural adoption, decent work, emigration, quality of life

Factors influencing saving behaviour among youth in Malaysia

Lai Wei Sieng — 2025-11-20

Saving is important not only for individuals and households but also for the economic development of a country. In Malaysia, youth generally lack savings and show little interest in saving. This situation has negatively affected them, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This research paper aims to analyze the factors that influence the saving behaviour of young people in Malaysia. Data was collected from 1,200 respondents across the country. Questionnaires were used as the primary instrument and stratified sampling techniques were applied. The target sample consisted of Malaysians aged between 15 and 40 years old. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and binary regression were used to explore the factor structure of the variables. The questionnaire was divided into four sections: the first covered demographic information; the second focused on the determinants influencing saving behaviour; and the remaining sections addressed the factors that influence saving behaviour and the intention to save. The findings indicate that financial management, peer influence, self-control and demographic background significantly affect saving behaviour among young Malaysians. Overall, the results suggest that greater exposure and education about the importance of saving are needed, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era to raise awareness and encourage more young people to engage in saving practices.

Keywords: Financial literacy, financial management, peer influence, saving behaviour, self-control

Developing a strategic framework for the educational development of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia: An ISM-MICMAC approach

Mashitah Sabdin — 2025-11-20

Since 2010, the Rohingya community in Myanmar has been subjected to ethnic cleansing and genocide, prompting many to flee and seek refuge in neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, Bangladesh and Thailand. However, refugees residing in countries such as Malaysia, which has not ratified the Refugee Convention, face significant challenges in accessing formal education. Limited educational opportunities often result in high dropout rates among refugee children, which previous studies have linked to increased crime and social problems. Thus, this study aims to develop a framework for the educational development of Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. The study engaged 12 experts to develop the framework using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC analysis to prioritize and categorize the main contributing factors. The results showed that 11 factors were identified for inclusion in the framework. Further analysis highlighted several critical factors, including ‘Awareness and Cooperation Among the Rohingya Community on the Importance of Children’s Education,’ ‘Sustainability of Funds for School Development,’ ‘Fund Management,’ ‘Integrated Curriculum and Syllabus’ and ‘Teaching Staff.’ Among these factors, ‘Awareness and Cooperation Among the Rohingya Community on the Importance of Children’s Education’ emerged as the most critical in promoting sustainable educational development. Hence, the framework is designed to serve as a practical guide for relevant stakeholders, such as local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to help them better coordinate their efforts and provide accessible and continuous educational opportunities for Rohingya refugee children in Malaysia.

Keywords: Educational development, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM), Malaysia, MICMAC, Rohingya refugees, strategic framework

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia: Analisis bibliometrik kajian sains sosial dalam pangkalan data Scopus dari tahun 2019 sehingga 2023 (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia: Bibliometric analysis social science analysis within Scopus databased from 2019 to 2023)

Khoong Tai Wai — 2025-11-20

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) menjadi kebanggaan negara kerana keupayaan menggunakan Bahasa Melayu sebagai pengantar di peringkat pendidikan tinggi. Ini seterusnya membuktikan negara mampu menghasilkan para cendekiawan yang setaraf dengan institusi antarabangsa. Namun, salah satu cabaran UKM dalam menjunjung nama negara ialah dalam aspek penerbitan, di mana ia mampu mengharumkan nama sebagai universiti penyelidikan. Oleh itu, kajian ini menjalankan analisis bibliometrik penerbitan UKM dalam bidang sains sosial daripada pangkalan data Scopus di antara tahun 2019 sehingga 2023, untuk mencerminkan penyelidikan terkini dan kesan pasca-pandemik. Sebanyak 2,809 dokumen diperolehi dan lima istilah yang teratas ialah Malaysia, sustainability, COVID-19, human dan education. Analisis bibliometik mendapati 169 item, seterusnya dikategori kepada tujuh kluster. Tujuh kluster yang dikenal pasti memberikan perspektif yang khusus seperti kelestarian, teknologi, pendidikan dan sikap masyarakat tempatan. Selain itu, dapatan kajian berkaitan ekopelancongan membentuk model pertumbuhan ekonomi berimpak rendah, reformasi pendidikan digital dan lestari kesedaran alam sekitar. Hasil dapatan kajian membentuk lima cadangan kajian masa depan, iaitu integrasi teknologi dalam kelestarian, kajian dalam kesihatan awam dan sikap masyarakat dan literasi kesihatan. Hasil dapatan kajian ini membentuk sumber penting untuk kajian masa hadapan untuk meneroka lebih terperinci dalam bidang sains sosial di kawasan serantau.

Kata kunci: Bibliometrik, ekopelancongan, lestari, sains sosial, VOSviewer

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) stands as a testimony to the country's ability to use Malay language as medium of instruction in higher education. This further proves the nation’s capability to produce scholars comparable to those from international institutions. However, one of the challenges in elevating the nation’s name lies in its publications, where it has the potential to establish itself as a distinguished research university. Therefore, this study conducts a bibliometric analysis of UKM publications in the field of social sciences from the Scopus database between 2019 and 2023, in which to reflect current research and post-pandemic impacts. A total of 2,809 documents were obtained, with the top five terms including Malaysia, sustainability, COVID-19, human and education. The bibliometric analysis identified 169 items, which were further categorized into seven clusters. These seven clusters provide specific perspectives, such as sustainability, technology, education and local community attitudes. Besides, study finding on ecotourism as a model for low-impact economic growth, digital education reform and sustainable environmental awareness are suggested. The findings yield five recommendations for future research, including the integration of technology in sustainability, studies on public health and community attitudes and health literacy. This study forms a crucial resource for future studies to explore social sciences in greater depth within the regional context.

Keywords: Bibliometric, ecotourism, sustainabilty, social science, VOSviewer

Objek budaya sakral pengubatan ambiak dalam amalan ritual masyarakat Murut Paluan (Ambiak medicine tools in ritual practice Murut Paluan community)

Jacquelina Karimon — 2025-11-20

Pengubatan ambiak merupakan satu bentuk kaedah rawatan tradisional masyarakat Murut Paluan yang melibatkan ritual, jampi, ramuan herba dan alat tertentu bagi tujuan penyembuhan fizikal serta spiritual. Pengubatan ambiak tergolong dalam pengubatan alternatif yang mencerminkan kearifah tempatan. Ia merujuk kepada pengetahuan, amalan dan nilai budaya yang terbentuk hasil daripada pengalaman masyarakat setempat yang menyesuaikan diri dengan alam sekitar. Sebagai sebuah masyarakat yang mempunyai latar belakang kebudayaan yang kompleks, pengubatan tradisional ini menjadi amalan kepercayaan komuniti Murut Paluan di Sabah sehingga kini. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti jenis dan fungsi objek budaya sakral dalam ritual pengubatan ambiak masyarakat Murut Paluan. Kajian ini berorientasikan kajian lapangan dengan menggunakan pendekatan etnografi untuk meneliti proses pengubatan komuniti ini. Pendekatan etnografi digunakan untuk memahami makna, simbol dan fungsi pengubatan ambiak secara mendalam.Kaedah analisis data menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui temu bual, pemerhatian lapangan dan analisis dokumen. Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan kepercayaan warisan yang mengandungi kepercayaan animisme mempengaruhi ritual ambiak. Terdapat sebanyak 21 objek budaya sakral yang digunakan dalam ritual ini dan kebanyakkannya bersumberkan alam semula jadi. Ritual yang dilangsungkan perlu mengikut tatatertib dan peringkat yang ditetapkan oleh Babalian. Penyediaan objek budaya sakral dalam ritual perlulah lengkap dan dalam keadaan baik agar komunikasi dengan alam ghaib dapat dijalankan dengan berkesan. Masyarakat Murut Paluan percaya melalui penggunaan peralatan secara teratur, berhati-hati dan berperingkat mampu memberikan kesan pengubatan yang maksimum kepada pesakit. Oleh itu, kajian ini dapat menyediakan wadah pengetahuan baru mengenai signifikan penyediaan onjek budaya sakral dalam pengubatan ambiak yang bersumberkan alam binatang dan tumbuhan. Nilai tradisi ini perlu dilestarikan kerana faktor keutuhan institusi babalian yang masih wujud dan berfungsi sehingga ke hari ini.

Kata kunci: Babalian, Murut Paluan, objek budaya sakral, pengubatan ambiak, ritual

Ambiak treatment is a form of traditional treatment methods of the Murut Paluan community that involves rituals, spells, herbs and certain tools for the purpose of physical and spiritual healing. Ambiak medicine belongs to alternative medicine that reflects local wisdom. It refers to cultural knowledge, practices and values that are formed as a result of rather than the experiences of local communities adapting to the surrounding nature. As a community with a complex cultural background, this traditional medicine has become the belief practice of the Murut Paluan community in Sabah until now. This study aims to know exactly the types and functions of sacred cultural objects in the medicinal rituals of the Murut Paluan community. This study was field study oriented by using an ethnographic approach to examine the healing process of this community. An ethnographic approach was used to understand the meanings, symbols and functions of adoptive medicine in depth.Data analysis methods used a qualitative approach through interviews, field observations and document analysis. The findings of this study suggest inherited beliefs containing animist beliefs influence adoption rituals. There are as many as 21 sacred cultural objects used in this ritual and most of them are naturally sourced. The rituals performed need to follow the rules and ranks set by Babalian. The provision of sacred cultural objects in ritual needs to be complete and in good order so that communication with the supernatural can be carried out effectively. Murut Paluan Society believes through the regular, careful and ranked use of equipment is able to give the maximum treatment impression to the patient. Therefore, this study can provide a new vessel of knowledge regarding the significance of the provision of sacred culture ojek in animal and plant nature-sourced amak medicine. The value of this tradition needs to be preserved because of the integrity factor of the babalian institution that still exists and functions to this day.

Keywords: Babalian, Murut Paluan, sacred cultural objects, medicine ambiak, ritual