2023 I-iECONS

This paper investigates the positive relationship between profit and advertising based on product differentiation on imperfect oligopoly market. Differentiated product under these markets put pressure on manufacturers to produce high quality products. Advertising helps them to take advantages of economies of scale, absolute cost advantage and capital requirement on new entrance. The study is using firms’ data of certain specific manufacturers of heterogeneous products, through multiple regression, to prove that the positive relationship between profit rate and advertising is significant and still hold. By using the same data, the study could be able to relate the advantage of advertising for incumbent firms with barrier to entry for the new firms. In addition, the paper also highlights the view of ethical values of advertising based on Islamic perspective. The discussion focused on informative and educative advertising which is allowed in Islam and persuasive approach as well as manipulative advertising which is prohibited and immoral according to Islam.

This study aims to examine the mediating effect of trust in authority on the relationship between tax system reform, tax knowledge, and voluntary tax compliance among e-Commerce business taxpayers in Malaysia. This study posited tax system reform, tax knowledge, and trust in authority, as determinants of e-Commerce voluntary tax compliance. The study also proposed the mediating influent of trust in authority on the relationships between tax system reform, tax knowledge, and e-commerce-voluntary tax compliance. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 339 e-Commerce business taxpayers as respondents. The results revealed a significant and positive relationship between tax system reform, tax knowledge, and e-Commerce voluntary compliance. Additionally, tax system reform and tax knowledge have a significant direct relationship with e-commerce voluntary compliance, and have a significant relationship with mediating effect of trust in authority, indicating that there is a partial mediation effect between the relationships. The findings of this study showed how trust in authority can impact voluntary tax compliance among e-Commerce business taxpayers. This study would facilitate the stakeholders such as tax authorities, tax practitioners, and academicians to improve the understanding of the determinants that affect tax compliance of e-Commerce business taxpayers.

In the last decade, conventional microfinance institutions started to consider their environmental bottom line in addition to their financial and social objectives. Previous studies identify empirically the characteristics of conventional MFIs that are involved in environmental management in developed markets and their role in facing environmental and climate challenges in Arab countries. However, little is known about the triple bottom line of Islamic microfinance institutions. This paper aims to investigate the environmental performance of Islamic microfinance highlighting the synergies between Islamic microfinance and green inclusive finance. For that purpose, this research uses secondary data from multiple sources and descriptive data analysis. Basing our analysis on the Green Index framework to assess whether Tunisian Islamic MFIs are green institutions for the period between 2017 and 2021, we find growing scores of MFI’s environmental performance. The results provide empirical evidence of the Islamic microfinance contribution to sustainable finance in Tunisia. The results indicate that the institution shows the interest of its shareholders in initiating environmental strategy while conventional institutions are in the process of planning or developing products and strategies. Meanwhile, the institution provides green financings last year, the awareness of environmental opportunities and risks seem less evident for the management of the Islamic MFI. This study contributes to the ongoing debate of whether Islamic microfinance has a triple bottom line. This research also provides insight into the environmental performance of IMFI in Tunisia. The findings provide useful information to managers, investors, and policymakers.

This study aims to highlight the social role that Islamic investment funds can play, dispelling the traditional view of this industry as mere financial intermediaries to institutions that seek to serve communities, enhance their well-being, and actively contribute to their development. The study also explores potential ways and methods to enhance the social role of Islamic investment funds. While maximizing profitability, these funds aim to foster Islamic communities as an integral part of Islamic investment principles, adhering to all its principles, rules, and objectives. The study has yielded several important results, including the potential for social investment funds to target both primary and secondary markets, and not limited to the latter. These funds operate according to Islamic investment principles and are among the most socially responsible investment tools. The study has identified some innovative social funds that can generate significant benefits for individuals and communities. It proposes several such funds, all of which serve two of the most critical community development sectors: the service sector and the productive sector. Recognizing that the developmental role is incomplete without successful evaluation aimed at enhancing performance and maximizing impact, the study suggests criteria for measuring and assessing the developmental performance and social impact of these funds.

Kertas ini menganalisis tinjauan literatur bagi membangunkan item soal-selidik dan kesahan instrumen kesejahteraan spiritual Islam (KSI) sebagaimediator dalam hubungan dengan tahap kecenderungan pengambilan risiko dan tekad keusahawanan. Ini adalah berikutan dari analisis kajian pengesanan usahawan graduan oleh Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia (2022) yang melaporkan tahap kecenderungan pengambilan risiko dalam kalangan graduan masih di tahap rendah dan tekad keusahawanan menunjukkan trend yang menurun. Keputusan ini seringkali dikaitkan mempengaruhi faktor-faktor kegagalan perniagaan dalam kalangan graduanbaharu.Kajian yang mengintegrasikan pendekatan agama Imam Al-Ghazali dalam konteks kontemporarikurang diberi tumpuan.Oleh yang demikian, kajian ini dipanjangkan kepada graduan usahawan bagi mengukur kesahan dan kebolehpercayaan item KSI, Tekad Keusahawanan Ajzen (1991), dan Kecenderungan dalam Pengambilan Risiko(Meertens & Lions, 2008) secara bersepadu. Teknik Delphi dengan Modifikasi Tiga Pusingan dilihat konsisten dengan dapatan dan sorotan literatur yang lepas di mana bilangan pusingan adalah fleksibel dan mendapat ‘consensus’ selepas pusingan ketiga. Item-item yang disenaraikan diletak sebagai sangat diperlukan bila mana skor median melebihi nilai 5.50 dan diperlukan dengan skor median berada antara 3.50 dan 5.49. Panel-panel pakar memberi‘consensus’ tinggi terhadap sub-konstruk tahap keimanan, ilmu pengetahuan, ibadah dan akhlak. Oleh itu, KSI mendatangkan perasaan aman, tenang dan bahagia dalam menangani cabaranusahawan baharu. Situasi ini boleh diaplikasikan semasa mencari ilmu dan kemahiran, (seperti ilmu pengurusan kewangan);dan akhlak yang mulia (seperti menjauhi amalan pengurusan kewangan yang tidak baik). Konsep-konsep ini dapat memberikan motivasi, ketabahan, dan ketenangan dalam menghadapi tekanan dan cabaran perniagaan. Kesepaduan perspektif agama Islam merupakan inovasi penemuan baharu melalui model Al-Ghazali dan pandangan barat melalui Teori Tingkahlaku Berencana dan Model Kecenderungan Pengambilan Risiko yang kurang dikaji telah dilaksanakan dalam kajian ini.

Existing literature stresses the importance of socio-economic factors when aiming to increase the willingness of taxpayers to pay their tax obligations. There have been insufficient studies on socio-psychological factors in tax morale research. This study focuses on trust in tax authorities and tax fairness factors that may explain the reasons why people pay taxes. The purpose of this conceptual review is to analyze and synthesize the theoretical and conceptual frameworks of trust in tax authorities and tax fairness in the tax morale context. Trust in tax authorities refers to the level of confidence taxpayers put in tax authorities based on how well they perform their duties. Tax fairness refers to taxpayers who perceive paying taxes as a fair process in terms of the treatments and benefits they receive for the taxes paid. Tax morale is defined as the intrinsic motivation of taxpayers to pay their fair share of taxes. Using the Social Psychology of Taxation (SPT) and Ibnu Khaldun's Theory of Taxation (IKTK), the interrelationships between trust in tax authorities, tax fairness, and tax morale are critically evaluated and analyzed. The review of relevant tax morale literature is conducted to identify any research gaps, inconsistencies, or ambiguities. It is interesting to note that there were mixed findings in terms of the effect of tax fairness on tax morale. Some studies have demonstrated positive relationships, while others have found negative ones. It has been discovered that taxpayers’ trust in tax administrations would increase if tax authorities treated taxpayers with consideration and respect, applied clear and fair procedures to all taxpayers, and assisted them in meeting their tax obligations. A psychological contract aptly captures the interaction between tax authorities and taxpayers, which will manifest in a willingness to pay taxes. Further investigation needs to be carried out in order to statistically validate the direct and indirect relationships between trust in tax authorities, tax fairness, and tax morale.

Pemprosesan Persijilan Halal merupakan salah satu tema yang terdapat di dalam salah satu Piagam Pelanggan (PP) di Jakimdi mana ia merupakan janji yang diberikan kepada pemohon dalam tempoh tertentu untuk menyiapkan Sijil Halal. Dalam merealisasikan sebuah pengurusan yang baik dalam sesebuah organisasi, amat penting untuk staf di dalam organisasi peka terhadap janji yang diberikanseperti mana yang termaktub dalam PP mereka. PP ialah pernyataan secara bertulis oleh organisasi untuk memberikan perkhidmatan yang berkualiti kepada pelanggan bagi memenuhi keperluan masyarakat khususnya kepada pelanggan yang berurusan dalam mana-mana organisasi. Oleh itu, untuk mengenalpasti setiap permasalahan yang dihadapi dalam pengurusan ini, amat penting sekali organisasi tersebut mendapatkan maklumbalas daripada pelanggan. Dari situ, organisasi dapat membuat penambahbaikan dan perancangan-perancangan strategik yang lain. Justeru, kajian dalam penulisan ini adalah untuk menganalisis maklumbalas daripada masyarakat terhadap janji yangdiberikanoleh Jakim dalam urusan pengurusan persijilan halal. Fokus maklumbalas dalam kajian ini adalah maklumbalas pengaduan awam (PA). Permasalahan yang timbul adalah apabila terdapat sesetengan organisasi mengabaikan janji yang diutarakan dalam PP mereka. Ini dapat dilihat melalui maklumbalas PA yangdiberikanolehmasyarakat. Kepentingan kajian ini adalah dapat mengetengahkan akan pentingnya perlaksanaan PP yang berkualiti khususnya dari sudut perspektif Islam dalam pengurusan persijilan halal di Jakim. Kajian berbentuk kualitatif ini menggunakan metod temubual sebagai metod utama, di mana staf daripada Jakim akan ditemubual untuk mendapatkan maklumat yang diperlukan. Selain 663itu, metod dokumentasi juga digunakan seperti laporan bertulis di dalam portal Jakim bagi menguatkan lagi data tembual yang diperolehi. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengenalpasti proses persijilan halal itu dilaksanakan berdasarkan maklumbalas PA. Hasil dapatan mendapati bahawa pengurusan yang baik dalam sesebuah organisasi dapat berjalan dengan lancar apabila mekanisme maklumbalas diketengahkan iaitu maklumbalas PA. Situasi ini sekaligus mencapai matlamat yang dikehendaki dalam PP yang dirangka iaitu mencapai kepuasan pelanggan melalui janji yang ditunaikan dengan baik, bertanggungjawab dan beramanah. Ia selaras dengan pandangan Islam seperti menepati dengan maqāṣid al-sharī‘ah (MS), maslahah ammah(MA) dan amar ma‘rūf nahī munkar (AMNM)

Isu literasi media dalam kalangan belia merupakan kemahiran penting yang membolehkan individu menganalisis dan menilai secara kritis mesej. Tahap literasi media yang rendah dalam kalangan belia boleh memberi kesan negatif kepada penglibatan dan penyertaan politik mereka. Penyelidikan telah menunjukkan bahawa individu yang mempunyai tahap literasi media yang lebih tinggi akan lebih cenderung untuk mengambil bahagian dalam aktiviti politik dan terlibat dengan isu politik. Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti tahap literasi media dalam kalangan belia di Malaysia bagi menentukan keupayaan mereka menilai mesej politik dan membuat keputusan tepat. Kajian ini melibatkan 388 pelajar melalui persampelan rawak. Data dikumpul melalui set soal selidik yang telah sah diuji kebolehpercayaannya dan dianalisis mengunakan pakej statistik SPSS versi 26. Keputusan menunjukkan secara keseluruhan tahap literasi media di kalangan belia di malaysia berada di tahap sederhana dengan nilai mean 4.47 (SP = 1.134). Dimensi akses mencatatkan skor paling tinggi dengan nilai min 4.96 dan sisihan piawai 1.12. Manakala tindakbalas mencatatkan skor min paling rendah dengan nilai min 4.14 dan sisihan piawai 1.39

Muslim-friendly destination has become popular tourist attractions, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the unique aspects of Islam. This growing interest presents an opportunity for industry players to shift the trend of tourism offerings. In this regard, homestay programme has the potential to become Muslim-friendly destinations for tourists. However, it is essential to determine to what extent Shariah-compliant practices should guide homestay operators in providing Muslim-friendly destinations. Hence, the objectiveof this study isto investigate the criteria that need to be considered to ensure Shariah compliance. Qualitative research techniques, such as in-depth interviews with coordinatorsof selected homestay programmes will be used to achieve the study objective. The results of thisinterview will be analysedusing thematic analysis techniques. The outcome of this study will serve as a benchmark for industry stakeholders in developing strategies for homestay programme development. Moreover, the criteria developed in this research will offer a shariah-compliant guide for promoting Muslim-friendly destinations in Malaysia. This is in line with the National Tourism Policy’s (DPN 2020-2030) objectives of achieving competitiveness, sustainability, inclusivity, and global recognition as a Muslim-friendly destination.

With its widespread recognition and substantial global user base, TikTok is one of the most prominent social media platforms. For many users, browsing through TikTok for a few hours daily has become a habitual or essential routine. This study is done in order to find the level of acceptance towards TikTok as a da’wah and learning platform. TikTok has been chosen since it has many users that used TikTok for gaining knowledge about learning and religious matters. With the technology improvement, people nowadays can easily gain information about da’wah and learning purposes. The minimum sample size was determined through Raosoft Calculator software. The study employs a quantitative approach via the Google Form platform, with 411 respondents. The survey questions were distributed to the public through various forms of social media such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Twitter via a link specially created to gather more respondents. Based on the results and findings, it indicates that the level acceptance of TikTok as a da’wah platform is high (M= 3.39). Same goes to the level acceptance of TikTok as learning platform is high (M= 3.50). So, throughout this research, it shows that people are accepting TikTok as a da’wah and learning platform. TikTok serves as an invaluable platform for the general public, facilitating both learning and preaching endeavours.

Wealth distribution by zakat on earned income is affected by the nishab (threshold), which can be qiyas (analogized) by gold or silver. This study aims to compare the distribution of this zakat in Indonesia obtained with the qiyas of gold and silver. This research uncovers the zakat distribution by integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. The data used are gold and silver prices per gram and the income distribution from Indonesia Family Life Survey waves 2, 3, 4, and 5. There is a significant disparity between the low-income population and the high-income population. The research findings demonstrate an exponential increase in potential zakat amounts collected, aligned with the nishab thresholds, with a multiplication factor of 2.5 for gold qiyas and 2.9 for silver qiyas. Despite potential decreases or steady percentages of muzakki, the growing zakat amounts positively impact society by redistributing surplus wealth to deserving recipients. The silver qiyas generates higher potential zakat amounts, ranging from 1.5 to 2.2 times greater than gold qiyas. Considering the potential for increased zakat collection and its subsequent impact on various economic aspects, this study emphasizes the significance of diverse qiyas approaches in achieving equitable and effective utilization of zakat funds

Halal meat is important in Indonesia, not only because of the Muslim consumer’s demand but also because of the low domestic production. Therefore, this study aims to determine the factors that influence the intention to purchase imported halal meat from Muslim consumers in Indonesia. To answer the inquiry, it employed a quantitative research method and adopted the Theory of Planned Behavior and Push-Pull Mooring Theory. Primary data was obtained from 913 Indonesian Muslim respondents and analyzed using Covariance-Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). The results showed that nutritional content, behavioural control, and attitudes significantly and positively affect the intention of purchasing imported halal meat products. Meanwhile, the price variable significantly negatively affects the purchase intention. The religiosity variable, which acts as a mediating variable, significantly positively affects attitudes to buying imported halal meat products. Meanwhile, the variables of subjective norms, sensory attractiveness, and halal awareness are not significant in this study. The results are expected to provide insights for halal meat importers, halal industry players, the government and other stakeholders in Indonesia and globally.

The common and individualistic understanding of autonomy is that an individual has the right to exercise his autonomy for medical treatment. In contemporary decades, this pattern has been faced in numerous disciplinary and intellectual ways. In particular, the problem here is that advocates of autonomy have argued that the personalities, desires, preferences and indeed autonomy of individuals are almost often influenced by their relationships with others including doctors. There is a problem for individuals who have suffered from COVID-19 to implement their autonomy in making decisions about medical treatment. Therefore, in the sense of medical practice, this article seeks to examine and address problems relating to the concept of patient autonomy. The methodology engaged in this article is qualitatively based. Autonomy is essential because the patient needs to make sure that he or she is actively involved in the medical treatment, and not just bow to his doctor. As a result, we can see here that patients may be quite experienced about their illnesses, but they commonly do not know the entire picture of it. Good Health and Well-being (Sustainable Development Goal 3) enables individuals to continue to do what they value, retain the ability to make decisions, preserve their independence and uphold their own autonomy. However, the most important thing is whether there is enough autonomy in medical practice and whether the autonomy of the patients must be respected. This article suggested that it is important to have clear guidelines and laws with regard to patients in Malaysia including those who suffered from COVID-19 since the guideline and laws with regard to this principle of autonomy i.e. to make decisions for medical treatment is still unclear. It is suggested that it is incumbent for the government to prepare a policy response to address the needs of hospital resources and the economic aspect too.

This study investigates the factors influencing individuals' intention to pay zakat through an online platform. Data were collected using an online questionnaire distributed through convenience and snowball sampling methods, with a total of 222 participants comprising students and working individuals. Regression analyses were conducted to examine the proposed model, revealing that participants' attitudes and perceived behavioural control significantly influenced their intention to pay zakat online. However, subjective norms, knowledge, and trust had a negative impact on the intention to pay zakat using an online platform. This research contributes to the literature by focusing on the emerging field of online zakat payment. Findings suggest that zakat institutions can enhance the efficiency of digital payments by improving participants' attitudes and perceived behavioural control. Additionally, future research should consider incorporating variables related to IT literacy to understand user behaviour in online zakat payment better. The study's findings are relevant to various stakeholders, including governments, zakat institutions, zakat contributors, and academics. Governments can use the results to formulate policies encouraging online zakat payment. Zakat institutions can enhance their online payment platforms based on the identified factors. Zakat contributors can make informed decisions about online zakat payment using these insights. Academics can further develop theories and models of online zakat payment based on the study's findings. This study provides recommendations and acknowledges its limitations, offering valuable insights for future researchers interested in exploring this topic further.

The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary (1995) defined “crisis” as “a time of great difficulty or danger or when an important decision must be made”. According on the situation, there are many definitions for the term "crisis" in use. It was initially used in the field of medicine to indicate the stage of a disease at which a significant development or change had occurred that was either critical to survival or death. The word "crisis" has, nevertheless, become often used in the 20th century. Five significant crises have been identified to give huge impact on Malaysian economy namely were the "early commodity crisis" between 1956 and 1972, the "first oil crisis" between 1973 and 1974, the "second commodity/oil crisis" between 1980 and 1981, the "electronic/third commodity crisis" between 1985 and 1986, and the "financial and currency crisis" between 1997 and 1998 followed by the 2008 Financial Crisis. Commodity crisis is a crisis that extends from the initial commodity crisis of 1956-72, the first oil crisis of 1973-74, the second commodity or oil crisis of 1980-81 and the third commodity or electronics crisis of 1985-86. Recently, the price of the energy and food has been raising again which can results in the next wave of commodity crisis for the country. The prices of food as a whole had gone up as can be seen in the prices of vegetables and poultry. The global food price index tracked by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations showed that in March 2022, it was almost 30 per cent higher year-on-year, hence, result in a really bad food price inflation experienced globally. With reference to energy price, although the world is facing an energy crisis where the demand for energy commodities exceeds supply and this is causing volatility in short-term pricing with global spot prices for natural gas reaching the highest level this year, reports by the government claimed that the impact of the energy crisis on Malaysia has not been alarming. Yet, necessary macroeconomies policies need to be identified to prevent unforeseen impact on the economic growth and society.

Isu penularan maklumat palsu atau "hoax" mengenai produk halal melalui media sosial adalah isu yang semakin menjadi-jadi. Informasi palsu ini boleh merosakkan kepercayaan pengguna terhadap produk halaldi pasaran. Penggunaan gambar palsu, gambar yang dikongsikan dengan keterangan yang salah, dan penulisan yang keliru atau bahasa yang tidak jelas boleh menyebabkan masyarakat terperdaya dengan maklumat yang tidak sahih. Oleh itu, adalah penting untuk memahami dan mempraktikkan amalan tabayyun sebelum menyebarkan maklumat mengenai produk halal atau apa-apa sahaja maklumat yang berkaitan dengan halal. Kajian awal ini bertujuan untuk mengukur pemahaman terhadap konsep tabayyun, tindakan dalam penyebaran maklumat mengenai produk halal, serta untuk mengenalpasti sumber-sumber maklumat produk halal yang digunakanoleh responden. Kajian dilaksanakan secara kuantitatifmelibatkan 190 mahasiswa Universiti Sultan Azlan Shah (USAS). Hasil kajian mendapati pelajar memahami dengan baik konsep tabayyun dan memiliki kesedaran dalam penyebaran maklumat tentang produk halal. Selain itu, media sosial juga dianggap sebagai sumber utama bagi mahasiswa untuk mendapatkan informasi mengenai produk halal.Kajian akan datang dicadangkan untuk melihat impak penularan maklumat palsu mengenai produk halal terhadap kepercayaan pengguna dan pengaruhnya terhadap pilihan pembelian produk halal.

The present study has been carried out using two types of beads which are CHT-ALG and KNF-CHT-ALG beads for the removal of Pb (II) ions. Among these two beads, KNF-CHT- ALG showed the highest adsorbent due to the availability of high surface roughness and large pores as examined in the FESEM analysis. Meanwhile, FTIR spectra has confirmed the existence of extra functional groups such as NH2, OH-, COO-, C-O, CO, and C-O-C in KNF-CHT-ALG which promoting Pb (II) ions to bind. The chitosan optimisation of the KNF-CHT-ALG beads also contributed to economical cost of the beads while maintaining the same performance of the metals removal. Clearly, from the research conducted, the KNF-CHT-ALG beads with ratio 0.6g:0.4g:0.6g for each material were found to be a suitable adsorbent for Pb (II) ions removal. The prime important is, the main part of the adsorbent which is KNF core is known to be a zero cost and abundantly available waste products that could serve as a practical means for metal ions adsorption such as at wastewater treatment plant. In the long term, this study is committed to targets for SDG 6 which is clean water and sanitation by 2030.

Along with the increasing Muslim population in Indonesia, the greater opportunity to develop Islamic social entrepreneurship. This research was conducted to find out the factors that influence the intention of Islamic social entrepreneurship in Indonesian Muslim communities through observing the effect of prior experience, empathy, moral obligation, self-efficacy, and perceived social support on social entrepreneurial intentions based on Islamic principles. We processed the data using the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) method in Smart PLS 4.0 which the data was collected using a self-administrated questionnaire. The results showed that prior experience, moral obligation, self-efficacy, and perceived social support has a significantly positive effect towards the intention of social Islamic entrepreneurial intentions in Indonesian Muslim communities and thus this result can be applied as a reference for policy makers or academics to increasing Islamic entrepreneurial activity and promote Islamic entrepreneurial intentions in society.

This study aims to determine the effect of Musharaka, Murabaha, Istisna’a and Ijarah financing on the profitability of Al Rayan Islamic Bank. This research uses Quarterly data of Al Rayan Bank for 2011Q1-2023Q1. The data is taken from the financial statements of income and statements of financial position. The variables used in this study are independent variables, Musharaka, Murabaha, Istisna’a and Ijarah financing. While the dependent variable is, the Islamic bank's profitability measured by Return on Equity (ROE).The study used ARDL and Error Correction Models to analyze the short and long-term relationships between variables. Data collected were analyzed by using EViews10 software. ARDL bounds test findings shown that there is a cointegration relationship between bank profitability and Islamic financing Products variables in the long run. The results of the long-run analysis show that Musharaka financing has a positive and significant effect on ROE at the 5% level. Murabaha financing has a negative and significant effect on ROE. Meanwhile, the Istisna’a and Ijarah variables have no significant effect on ROE. The short run dynamics show that there is a negative and significant effect of Murabaha and Ijarah financing on the profitability of the Islamic bank, while lagged value of Murabaha LMUR(-1) has a positive and significant effect on the profitability index of the Islamic bank. Simultaneously, there is no relationship and effect of Musharaka and Istisna’a on the profitability of the Islamic bank in the short term.