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Haze beneath our feet- Part 1: Counterattack!

Norain Azal
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Haze beneath our feet- Part 1: Counterattack!

Haze may eventually clear, but what it leaves behind may take longer to understand. Once atmospheric pollutants settle and rainfall carries them into soil and groundwater, attention shifts from what is happening in the air to how the ground might cope.

There is no single treatment for “haze-affected ground”, nor would one be appropriate. Soil type, rainfall, drainage, groundwater, vegetation and infrastructure all matter. The more useful question is therefore not how to stop haze from reaching the ground, but how to manage the conditions it may leave behind.

 

Give changing ground a helping hand

Where acidic infiltration alters susceptible clayey or residual soils, conventional compaction may not address the underlying chemical changes. Ground improvement offers another line of defence.

Lime supplies calcium that promotes cation exchange and flocculation, clustering fine clay particles into a more workable structure. This can reduce plasticity and improve compaction, while combining lime with fly ash promotes longer-term cementitious reactions that enhance strength and durability, particularly where acidic conditions have disturbed the soil’s chemical balance.

Where conventional binders are less desirable, biopolymers can improve particle bonding, while Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) forms calcium carbonate within soil pores, creating tiny mineral bridges between particles. Both offer promising alternatives, although suitability depends on soil type, groundwater chemistry and field conditions.

Ground treatment can be a gamechanger, but never one-size-fits-all: Understand what changed, then treat what matters.

 

Never assume the ground stands still

Geotechnical properties are often established during site investigation and carried forward into design. Yet the ground continues interacting with water, chemistry, vegetation and the atmosphere long after the boreholes are closed.

Where environmental exposure becomes significant, targeted sampling and testing can reveal whether important properties are changing. Soil pH, moisture condition, plasticity, permeability and strength are useful indicators to watch.

This does not mean reinvestigating a site after every hazy week. It means recognising that, for long-life infrastructure, yesterday’s ground conditions should not automatically become tomorrow’s assumptions.

 

Water still calls the shots

When chemically altered ground meets intense rainfall, water can become the deciding factor. Good drainage therefore remains one of the simplest and most effective forms of protection.

Surface runoff should be directed away from vulnerable slopes, while subsurface drainage can help control pore-water pressure. Where stability margins require improvement, soil nails, geogrids, geocells or other reinforcement can provide additional resistance. Piezometers, inclinometers and displacement monitoring can then reveal how the slope is actually responding.

Not every complex geotechnical problem needs a complex first answer. Sometimes, managing the water well is half the battle.

 

Keep the green but give it backup

The geogrids and geocells used to strengthen vulnerable slopes can do more than provide mechanical support, they can also work alongside vegetation. Roots reinforce near-surface soil, reduce erosion and help regulate moisture through evapotranspiration, while geosynthetics provide a more dependable structural framework.

Where acidic conditions are a concern, plant selection also matters. Deep-rooting, acid-tolerant species may help sustain these benefits, while geogrids, geocells or reinforced systems provide backup if vegetation becomes stressed.

Think of it as green engineering with a safety net: Let nature contribute, without asking roots to do all the work.

 

Protect what disappears underground

Foundations, ground anchors, soil nails and sheet piles share an inconvenient characteristic: Once installed, much of their condition becomes invisible. Durability therefore deserves attention before they disappear beneath the surface.

For concrete, low-permeability mixes, suitable supplementary cementitious materials and protective barriers can reduce exposure to aggressive groundwater. Steel elements may require protective sheathing, grouting, coatings or corrosion allowances to maintain long-term performance.

A little foresight goes a long way here: The easiest time to protect buried infrastructure is before it becomes buried infrastructure.

 

When haze blocks the view, change how we look

Dense haze may make optical surveying, drone photogrammetry and visual inspection less dependable, but ground movement does not politely wait for visibility to improve.

Fortunately, geotechnical monitoring can look into the ground as well as across it. GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) can track surface displacement, inclinometers detect lateral movement within slopes and excavations, while piezometers monitor the pore-water pressures that directly influence effective stress and stability. Embedded and inertial sensors add continuous measurements where clear sightlines are unavailable.

Earthworks can become smarter too. Moisture sensors and intelligent compaction systems can track changing field conditions, helping operators adjust water content and compaction effort while checking whether the required ground response is being achieved.

The value lies not in technology for its own sake, but in combining measurements that tell different parts of the same story. When haze limits what we can see above ground, the right instruments can still tell us what is happening below it.

 

The ground has the last word

Haze will come and go. The ground, however, continues responding to what the environment sends its way, be it water, chemistry, loading, vegetation and time.

The sensible response is neither alarm nor overdesign, but informed attention: Understand changing conditions, manage water, protect vulnerable materials and monitor what cannot easily be seen.

Perhaps these hazy days offer one more reminder: What happens in the air does not necessarily end there. Its effects can travel through water, soil and infrastructure, connecting the atmosphere above us with the ground beneath our feet.

When the haze clears, that connection is worth remembering.

 

Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Chee Ming

Faculty of Engineering Technology

 

Principal Researcher

Research Centre for Soft Soils (RECESS)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

Tackling drugs in the digital era: The role of education and TVET in shaping generation Alpha

Norain Azal
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Tackling drugs in the digital era: The role of education and TVET in shaping generation Alpha

Generation Alpha refers to those born from around 2010 to the present. They are the children of Millennials and the first generation born entirely in the 21st century. This generation is growing up in an environment shaped by digital technology, and their learning patterns, social interactions and identity formation depend heavily on digital platforms. In this context, the problem of drug abuse among young people can no longer be addressed through conventional approaches alone. Digitalisation must be harnessed strategically, in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Education Blueprint (PPPM) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy, to ensure that drug prevention efforts are more relevant, effective and sustainable.

The Malaysia Education Blueprint (2013–2025) emphasises six comprehensive student aspirations: knowledge, thinking skills, leadership skills, bilingual proficiency, ethics and spirituality, and national identity. Drug prevention should therefore be seen as part of the broader effort to develop students holistically. Digitalisation offers a platform with great potential to support these aspirations by delivering interactive preventive education that focuses on building values and life skills. Digital modules on the dangers of drugs, emotional management and decision-making skills can be integrated into the digital learning ecosystem outlined in the Blueprint, particularly in line with its agenda of leveraging information and communication technology in education. To protect the “screen generation”, prevention efforts must move into the space that has become their primary world: the digital realm. In Malaysia, the issue is all the more pressing given that drug abuse is still regarded as the “nation’s number one enemy”, with youths aged between 19 and 39 identified as the most vulnerable group.

The threat of substance abuse has also changed shape. It is no longer confined to conventional drugs but is increasingly tied to lifestyle. The use of electronic cigarettes among this generation in Malaysia has risen significantly, driven by appealing flavours and designs that resemble tech gadgets. This phenomenon of “hidden vaping” is often seen as a gateway to smoking and the abuse of illicit drugs, especially when influenced by peers and social media content.

Recognising that Generation Alpha lives within a digital ecosystem, prevention approaches are now shifting towards Technology-Based Interventions. Mobile applications, online platforms and AI-powered chatbots offer several key advantages, including instant feedback and wide reach. The use of animated videos, digital simulations, scenario-based learning and educational games can therefore capture the interest of Generation Alpha, who respond more readily to visual and interactive content. Through this approach, anti-drug messages can be delivered more effectively than through one-way, purely informational methods.

In the context of TVET, digitalisation plays a particularly significant role, as TVET students often face the pressures of industrial training, the demands of workplace skills and the challenges of transitioning into employment. The national TVET policy emphasises the development of highly skilled, resilient and disciplined human capital. Drug prevention should therefore be viewed as a component that supports the wellbeing of TVET students. Digital platforms such as wellbeing e-learning, self-screening applications and online counselling can help identify at-risk students and provide early and confidential psychosocial support. These features help reduce the stigma that often discourages students from seeking help face to face.

Beyond primary prevention, digitalisation also supports data-driven and evidence-based interventions. Analysing patterns in students’ learning behaviour, attendance and engagement through institutional digital systems can help educators and administrators detect early signs of social problems or risky behaviour. This approach is in line with education policy requirements that emphasise data-driven decision-making to improve the effectiveness of interventions.

However, the use of digitalisation to tackle drug issues must be accompanied by stronger digital literacy, as outlined in the Blueprint. Without a solid understanding, digital spaces can become channels for spreading misinformation, negative influences and the normalisation of risky behaviour. Schools and TVET institutions must therefore play an active role in educating students to become ethical, critical and responsible users of technology. Professional training for teachers, lecturers and counsellors should also be strengthened to ensure they have digital competence and a deep understanding of substance abuse issues in today’s context.

In conclusion, digitalisation is a crucial element in addressing drug issues among Generation Alpha, who will soon fill TVET institutions, in line with the direction of the Malaysia Education Blueprint and the national TVET policy. With integrated planning, clear policy support and collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions and relevant agencies, digital technology has the potential to become a catalyst for a drug prevention system that is more holistic, inclusive and responsive to the challenges of future generations.

 

Dr. Siti Marhamah Kamarul Arifain

Senior Lecturer

Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

When land stirs: Decoding the Batu Pahat tremor, unpacking the science, geology and monsoon risks

Norain Azal
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When land stirs: Decoding the Batu Pahat tremor, unpacking the science, geology and monsoon risks

On the afternoon of September 22, a 4.4-magnitude earthquake struck off the waters of Batu Pahat, Johor. According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the tremor occurred at 4:55 PM at a shallow depth of 10 km, with its epicenter located roughly 27 km southwest of Batu Pahat. While no tsunami warning was required, the event was far from isolated. It followed two earlier, weaker tremors detected in the exact same maritime area on June 21 and August 25, registering magnitudes of 3.3 and 3.1 respectively.

For many Malaysians, earthquakes are events that happen elsewhere, such as across the Straits of Malacca in Sumatra or over the South China Sea in Sabah. Peninsular Malaysia has long been viewed as a geologically stable landmass, nestled comfortably away from the major active plate boundaries of the Pacific Ring of Fire. However, this recent cluster of activity near Batu Pahat serves as a gentle yet firm reminder from nature that Peninsular Malaysia experiences its own subtle tectonic shifts.

While the immediate reaction to unexpected tremors is often alarm, understanding the mechanics of ground movement and geotechnical engineering transforms fear into informed vigilance.

 

Deconstructing the Richter Scale: How We Measure Tremors

When news of an earthquake breaks, the first number reported is almost always its magnitude on the Richter Scale. To truly understand what a magnitude of 4.4 means, one must look at how seismologists measure the energy liberated deep beneath the crust.

 

Logarithmic: What it means for ground motion

As the scale is logarithmic, each whole number step up represents a tenfold increase in measured ground wave amplitude on a seismograph. More importantly, each whole unit corresponds to roughly a 31.6-times increase in total energy release. This means a magnitude 4.0 earthquake releases over thirty times more energy than a magnitude 3.0 event, while a magnitude 5.0 earthquake releases roughly a thousand times more energy than a 3.0 event.

 

Severity: Where does a 4.4 magnitude sit?

A 4.4 magnitude earthquake falls squarely into the light category on international intensity charts. People indoors, particularly those on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, usually feel these tremors distinctly. Parked cars may rock slightly, hanging light fixtures often swing, and loose windows or doors might rattle. However, structural damage remains negligible to minor in well-constructed modern buildings, though unreinforced brickwork or weak plaster ceiling tiles can sometimes display fine hairline cracks. In short, a 4.4 earthquake releases enough energy to startle a community and shake dinnerware, but it rarely possesses the destructive force needed to collapse engineered structures.

 

Should we worry: Putting the event in Geotechnical perspective

The short answer is that there is no need for panic, though there is certainly good reason for technical awareness. Peninsular Malaysia sits on the stable Sunda Plate. Unlike neighboring Indonesia, which rests directly above active subduction zones where massive oceanic plates dive beneath continental plates, Peninsular Malaysia experiences what engineers refer to as intraplate seismicity. These are minor, stress-relief earthquakes occurring along ancient local fault lines, such as the Kuala Lumpur or Bukit Tinggi fault zones, that reactivate periodically under regional tectonic pressure. A magnitude 4.4 event indicates that internal stresses within the local basement rock are being released incrementally. From an engineering standpoint, frequent low-magnitude events are far preferable to a prolonged buildup of unreleased tectonic stress.

 

Immediate aftermath: Precautionary actions over panic

While structural failures are extremely unlikely during a light tremor, post-event inspections remain good practice, especially for property owners with older structures.

 

Structural element health

Property owners should first evaluate the primary load-bearing skeleton of the building to distinguish between minor cosmetic distress and true structural compromise. Primary concrete columns, support beams, and structural walls should be inspected for diagonal shear cracks running at a 45o angle across concrete joints, which signal that the frame absorbed significant lateral force during shaking. In unreinforced brick buildings, owners should look for step-like cracking following mortar lines, paying close attention if cracks cut directly through individual bricks rather than mortar joints. Outside the home, perimeter retaining walls, foundation footings, and concrete aprons should be examined for fresh outward tilting, lateral bulging, or widening separation gaps that might indicate minor movement in the supporting soil.

 

Non-structural integrity

Non-structural components rarely threaten a building’s overall stability, but they represent the most common source of minor post-tremor nuisance and localized hazard. Exterior wall plaster often flexes during ground movement, creating shallow, web-like “crazing” cracks that are almost always cosmetic rather than structural. Indoors, suspended ceiling grids in office spaces or modern homes should be checked to ensure T-bars have not popped loose and ceiling panels remain securely seated. Finally, elevated elements experience amplified motion due to height, so rooftop fixtures warrant a quick check to verify that clay roof tiles have not shifted out of alignment and overhead water storage tanks remain firmly anchored without pipe connection leaks.

 

Geotechnical implications: The upcoming monsoon challenge

The most critical aspect of a mild earthquake in tropical regions like Johor is not the shaking itself, but how that shaking interacts with local geology, particularly when followed by heavy seasonal rainfall.

 

Soft soils and ground motion amplification

Much of coastal Johor, including parts of Batu Pahat, consists of thick layers of soft marine clay, alluvial deposits and organic peats. These soft soils act as natural amplifiers for earthquake waves. As seismic waves travel out from hard bedrock and pass into soft, compressible soil layers, their speed drops, but their amplitude increases. Consequently, tremors felt over soft marine clay can feel noticeably sharper and persist longer than those felt on hilly, rock-bearing ground.

 

The Double Threat: Seismic Micro-Fissures + Monsoon Rains

As Peninsular Malaysia transitions into its seasonal monsoon periods (Northeast Monsoon- November to March and Southwest Monsoon- May to September), the focal point of geotechnical risk shifts dramatically. The primary hazard is no longer the transient shaking of the earthquake itself, but the hidden, cumulative degradation of the slope material below ground level. To appreciate why a modest tremor can set off a delayed landslide weeks later, one must peer into the microscopic architecture of soil.

 

The invisible damage: Micro-fissuring and bond disruption

Soil and weathered rock slopes maintain their stability through internal cohesion and inter-particle friction, collectively known as shear strength. Under normal conditions, soil particles are tightly packed and glued together by fine clays, cementation and suction forces. When seismic waves propagate through a slope during a magnitude 4.4 tremor, they subject the ground to cyclic shearing stresses. Even if the shaking is insufficient to trigger an immediate, catastrophic landslide, it performs a subtle form of geotechnical ‘vandalism’. The dynamic stress breaks the delicate bonds between soil grains and opens a network of microscopic fractures, termed micro-fissures, throughout the soil mass and along rock joints. The slope may look completely intact on the surface, but internally, its structural integrity could be compromised.

 

Hydraulic infiltration: Converting rainfall into underground pressure

Under ordinary conditions, a dense, undisturbed soil slope acts like a semi-impermeable shield, shedding a large portion of monsoon rain as surface runoff. However, the newly formed network of micro-fissures alters the ground’s hydraulic conductivity, transforming the slope into a porous sponge. When tropical downpours strike, rainwater no longer simply washes over the surface; it rapidly penetrates deep into the slope along these freshly opened preferential flow paths.

 

The Critical Tipping Point

A slope that was marginally stable before the earthquake, i.e. holding on by a fine margin of safety, has now suffered a double blow. What appears to be a sudden, out-of-nowhere monsoon landslide is rarely caused by the rain alone. In many cases, it is the grand finale of a two-act geological play: An earthquake that secretly prepared the ground, followed by rain that pulled the hydraulic trigger.

 

Moving Forward: Building a Resilient Community

Events like the Batu Pahat earthquake serve as vital diagnostic checks for our built environment. Malaysia’s National Annex to Eurocode 8 already establishes rigorous seismic design standards, ensuring our modern bridges, tall structures and critical dams are engineered to withstand low-to-moderate ground accelerations.

For the community, the lesson is both clear and profound: The Earth beneath us is not an inert stage, but a dynamic system seeking equilibrium. By understanding how minor seismic events interact with our tropical geology and monsoon cycles, we trade anxiety for informed confidence; reassured by engineering foresight, yet ever mindful of the land we call home.

After all, true resilience is never about standing on ground that never moves, but building a community that never falters.

Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Chee Ming

Faculty of Engineering Technology

 

Principal Researcher

Research Centre for Soft Soils (RECESS)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

UTHM strengthens collaboration with VIVES through Erasmus+ KA171 agreement

Norain Azal
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UTHM strengthens collaboration with VIVES through Erasmus+ KA171 agreement

by Yeoh Li Cheng

BELGIUM, 14 September 2026 – Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) has strengthened its collaboration with VIVES University of Applied Sciences, Belgium, through the signing of Erasmus+ KA171 Inter-Institutional Agreement (IIA) for higher education mobility.

The agreement was signed by UTHM Vice Chancellor, Professor Ts. Dr. Mas Fawzi bin Mohd Ali, and President of VIVES, Mrs Kathy Dewitte. The signing was witnessed by UTHM Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International), Professor Dr. Afandi bin Ahmad, and VIVES Head of Global Engagement Office, Ms Tine Ternest.

The signing took place during the UTHM delegation’s official visit to VIVES University of Applied Sciences in Belgium. The delegation was accompanied by the Director of the International Office, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ramlee bin Kamarudin, and Professor Dr. Erween Abd Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of the UTHM Tanjung Laboh Management Office.

On the same occasion, both institutions formally signed and exchanged copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), further strengthening their institutional collaboration.

The IIA signing marks a major step in the implementation of the Erasmus+ KA171 grant, which supports mobility opportunities between UTHM and VIVES over the next three years.

The collaboration began during the European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in September 2025 and has since developed through student mobility and academic engagement.

In March 2026, UTHM welcomed its first VIVES student, Robbe Ryckeboer, who undertook a semester exchange and research internship at the Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Sustainable Campus Office.

The collaboration was further developed during the visit of Mr Evert Cottyn, Coordinator for Internationalisation (Technology) at VIVES, to UTHM in June 2026, which offered an opportunity to explore potential areas for further collaboration and student’s mobility programme.

The collaboration was coordinated by Ms Yeoh Li Cheng, Head of Department of International Mobility and Student Experience, International Office, UTHM, and Mr Evert Cottyn, Coordinator for Internationalisation (Technology), VIVES.

With the Erasmus+ KA171 grant now in place, both institutions look forward to expanding mobility opportunities and exploring further areas of academic and institutional collaboration in the coming years

Transboundary haze: A silent threat to public health and Visit Malaysia 2026

Norain Azal
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Transboundary haze: A silent threat to public health and Visit Malaysia 2026

On September 4, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong consented a state of emergency across the entire Serian district in Sarawak after the Air Pollutant Index reached 515. The decision made following the advice from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg and relevant agencies. On the same day, Kuching recorded a hazardous reading of 306, while Samarahan and Sri Aman sat at 292 and 241 respectively, both in very unhealthy level. These are not merely numbers. The last haze emergency declared in Kuching was in September 1997, when the index hit 650, which means a whole generation born after that crisis has seeing for the first time just how bad this country’s air can get.

The cause is no mystery and it lies across the border. Thick haze has blanketed parts of Indonesia following fires that have destroyed vast areas of forest and peatland in Borneo and Sumatra over recent weeks. This year’s fire season is reported to be the worst in 11 years, with a Super El Nino raising temperatures and deepening the drought, to the point that emissions from Indonesian fires now account for one-third of all fire emissions worldwide. Yet this is not purely a natural disaster. Nusantara Atlas founder David Gaveau has been blunt that El Nino does not start the fires but creates the dry conditions that allow human-caused fires to spread and grow large. Kompas has reported a sharp rise in hotspots across Kalimantan since early August, more than half of them on oil palm plantation land. Firefighting efforts are substantial, with 53 aircraft deployed for water bombing and cloud seeding and further aircraft and personnel sent by Japan, including three CH-47 Chinook helicopters that conducted trial flights on September 10. The difficulty is that peat fires smoulder underground long after the surface appears extinguished.

The health toll is already heavy. In Indonesia, pollution-related respiratory cases more than doubled in eight days, rising from 50,891 on September 1st to 113,336 by September 9, with more than 12.5 million people across seven provinces exposed to the smoke. Malaysia is not exempt from the same biology. The fine PM2.5 particles in peat smoke are small enough to cross into the bloodstream rather than merely irritate the lungs, and the most vulnerable are children, the elderly, pregnant women, asthmatics and people with heart conditions. For market traders, construction crews, delivery riders and farmers, the advice to stay indoors is not an option that exists. The educational cost is equally real, with the Sarawak State Education Department confirming the closure of 591 schools in late August, affecting more than 197,000 pupils, and every lost school day is a long-term cost that appears in no government ledger.

For tourism, the timing could hardly be worse. This is Visit Malaysia 2026, with a target of 26.1 million foreign tourists, projected domestic spending of RM97.6 billion, and RM350 million allocated to boost tourism promotion and activities. The start was encouraging, with Malaysia recording 21,118,039 international arrivals between January and June 2026, up 2.5 per cent year on year, even as geopolitical tensions in West Asia forced the cancellation of 4,111 scheduled flights. The industry has already shown it can absorb external shocks. But haze attacks where the sector is least defensible, which is perception. Our strongest tourism activities are outdoor, from diving at Sipadan, climbing Kinabalu to Sarawak’s national parks, the islands of Langkawi and walking tours in George Town, none of them can be moved indoors. When images of a grey Kuching sky circulate globally, a traveller planning a holiday six months out will not distinguish between Serian and Melaka. They read Malaysia as hazy and book elsewhere. Past episodes show the same pattern repeating itself: hotel bookings cancelled, sporting events and business conferences were postponed, outdoor activities are cancelled, and the small operators are least able to absorb losses thus, carry the heaviest burden. For boat operators, guides and homestay owners in Sarawak and Sabah, one ruined season means a difficult year. There are too much on their plates.

Malaysia should be firmed but constructive in giving diplomatic pressure because the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution already exists yet stays as a document rather than a deterrent without enforcement mechanisms. Malaysian companies holding land concessions in Indonesia must be audited transparently, because it is difficult to point across the border when our own capital may be woven into the chain of burning. At the same time the country needs clear and automatic public health protocols, including free N95 masks for at-risk groups, designated clean-air shelters in community halls and schools, and binding employer guidance for outdoor workers once the index passes 200. Finally, Tourism Malaysia need an honest crisis communications strategy because denial destroys credibility. Publishing daily index readings by destination, encouraging flexible cancellation policies, and pivoting promotion toward indoor products such as museums, gastronomy and cultural performance during peak haze weeks is the more mature response.

Even though the haze will be cleared when the rain comes, the problem stays as our national policy lack of enforcement.

 

 

Dr. Mohd Zulfakar Mohd Nawi, CHP

Department of Professional Education and Postgraduates

Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

 

This article was published in:

1. Focus Malaysia (focusmalaysia.my), 28 September 2026: When the air we breathe crosses borders: Why Malaysia needs more than rain to beat the haze 

https://focusmalaysia.my/when-the-air-we-breathe-crosses-borders-why-malaysia-needs-more-than-rain-to-beat-the-haze/

Deep reading declines: The PhD soul in the digital era

Norain Azal
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Deep reading declines: The PhD soul in the digital era

In an age dominated by screens and speed, the soul of the PhD risks being hollowed out. Deep reading; once the lifeblood of scholarship; is giving way to fragmented scrolling and digital distraction. As doctoral candidates chase metrics and quick outputs, the essence of intellectual inquiry, patience, and reflection is eroded, leaving higher education at risk of producing credentials without depth.

A recent scientific review on “brain rot” warns that constant doomscrolling is corroding attention and memory. James Marriott’s The New Dark Ages (2026) echoes this warning from a cultural perspective, describing a society sliding into a “post‑literate” age where deep reading and comprehension are displaced by fast, shallow digital content. Together, these works reveal a crisis: the digital era is not only undermining cognition but eroding the cultural and intellectual scaffolding that sustains scholarship.

For PhD students, this shift is more than a change in study habits; it is a threat to the very soul of scholarship. The philosophical paradigm of ontology: the study of being reminds us that doctoral education is not simply about producing papers but about cultivating thinkers, innovators, and experts who embody originality, novelty, and the drive to discover new knowledge. Without deep reading, this ontological journey collapses. Ideas risk becoming superficial, originality is reduced to incremental novelty, and the PhD risks devolving into a mechanical pursuit of recognition rather than a transformative intellectual pilgrimage.

Deep reading is not simply about consuming words on a page. It is about grappling with complexity, sitting with ambiguity, and allowing ideas to ferment over time. It is the intellectual equivalent of slow cooking: nourishing, layered, and rich. Yet in the digital era, the pressure to publish quickly and the lure of instant information have reduced reading to skimming, citation mining, and surface‑level engagement. The PhD, once a symbol of depth and originality, now risks becoming a hollow credential, stripped of its contemplative essence.

The consequences are profound. When doctoral candidates lose the habit of deep reading, they lose the ability to think critically and creatively. They risk becoming technicians of knowledge rather than philosophers of ideas. The PhD was never meant to be a badge of productivity; it was meant to be a journey into the unknown, a test of intellectual endurance, and a contribution to the collective wisdom of humanity. Without deep reading, that journey collapses into a sprint toward deadlines, leaving behind scholars who are technically proficient but spiritually impoverished.

Universities reward speed and visibility, and in doing so, they encourage shallow scholarship. The obsession with rankings and impact factors has created an academic culture where the slow work of reading and reflection is undervalued. In this climate, doctoral students are pushed to produce more, faster, with little regard for whether their work reflects genuine understanding. The result is a generation of scholars who may know how to navigate databases and citation software but struggle to sustain a meaningful intellectual conversation.

Yet resistance is possible. To reclaim the soul of the PhD, academia must re‑center deep reading as its cornerstone. This is not nostalgia for dusty libraries or long hours with printed books. It is recognition that deep reading cultivates the very qualities that make scholarship worthwhile: patience, empathy, and the ability to see beyond the obvious. In a world of noise, deep reading is the discipline of listening. In a culture of speed, it is the art of slowing down. And in an era of distraction, it is the practice of attention.

PhD programs must therefore create space for deep reading, not as an optional luxury but as a fundamental practice. Supervisors should encourage students to linger with texts, to wrestle with ideas, and to resist the temptation of shortcuts. Universities should value quality over quantity, rewarding work that demonstrates depth rather than speed. And doctoral candidates themselves must reclaim their agency, choosing to read deeply even when the system nudges them toward superficiality. Only then can they fulfill their role as thinkers, innovators, and experts who generate truly original knowledge.

The stakes could not be higher. If deep reading continues to decline, the PhD risks losing its soul, becoming little more than a credential in the digital marketplace. But if scholars and institutions choose to resist, they can preserve the essence of doctoral education as a transformative intellectual journey.

This is not merely an academic concern rather it is a civilizational one. To surrender deep reading is to surrender originality, novelty, and the pursuit of new knowledge. It is to accept “brain rot” as the new normal and to drift willingly into the dark ages Marriott (2026) warns of.

The call is clear: reclaim deep reading, defend the PhD soul, and resist the flattening forces of the digital era. Let doctoral education once again produce thinkers, innovators, and experts who embody the courage to read deeply, think boldly, and create knowledge that endures. Anything less is capitulation. Anything less is the death of scholarship.

 

Prof. Sr. Dr. Rozilah Kasim

Faculty of Technology Management and Business

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

What good learners do differently to master English?

Norain Azal
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What good learners do differently to master English?

Successful English learners do not rely on talent alone. Instead, they use practical strategies to build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills over time. Beyond the classroom, they actively seek opportunities to engage with the language in everyday contexts, turning exposure into improvement. These habits, commonly shared by good language learners, reveal that mastering English is less about shortcuts and more about consistent, purposeful practice.

Good language learners expose themselves to English as much as possible through listening. They understand that comprehension comes before fluency in speaking. They listen to English podcasts, audiobooks, and news reports. Watching movies, TV shows, and YouTube videos with or without subtitles is another strategy they employ. They also practice active listening by summarising what they hear. This will also help in developing their critical thinking skills. Engaging in conversations with native or proficient speakers is another strategy they use to enhance their listening skills. Some tips for learners: Start by listening to slow-paced English content before progressing to native-level speech. Repeating and mimicking phrases can also improve pronunciation and comprehension.

Speaking is often the most challenging skill to develop due to the fear of making mistakes. Successful learners overcome this by speaking English daily, even in informal settings. They also participate in English conversation groups or language exchange programs. This will help them to get real-world experience in practising English discourse. Another strategy is to record themselves speaking to analyse their pronunciation and fluency. Using shadowing techniques, which involve repeating what native speakers say in real-time, is another strategy they employ. Some tips for learners: Do not be afraid of making mistakes. The more you practice, the more confident you will become. Focus on communication rather than perfect grammar (fluency over accuracy).

Reading is essential for vocabulary expansion and understanding sentence structure. Effective learners often read a variety of materials, including books, newspapers, and online articles. They also use contextual clues to understand unfamiliar words instead of translating everything. This is a very good strategy to employ. Keeping a vocabulary journal to note and review new words for later use in their speech and writing is also a strategy they use. Some tips for learners: Read topics that interest you to make learning enjoyable. Challenge yourself with slightly difficult texts but avoid overwhelming content.

Writing helps reinforce grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. Good learners enhance their writing skills by keeping a daily journal or blog in English. They also write short essays, emails, or social media posts in English. They also know how to utilise technological tools to ease their learning journey, for example, using writing tools like Grammarly to check and improve their grammar. Another thing they often do is read well-written texts to observe sentence structures and writing styles and later emulate them. Some tips for learners: Start with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity. Get feedback from teachers or peers to improve writing accuracy.

Apart from skill-building strategies, good language learners share common traits and mindsets. The first one is curiosity. They explore the language beyond textbooks and take an interest in culture and idioms. Next is perseverance; they do not get discouraged by mistakes but use them as learning opportunities. Another trait is confidence. They believe in their ability to improve and are not afraid to take risks in using the language. Last but not least is consistency; they practice English daily, even for a few minutes, to build fluency over time.

Mastering English requires more than classroom learning. It demands active engagement with the language through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. By adopting the strategies of successful learners and maintaining a positive mindset, students can enhance their proficiency and communicate effectively. With dedication and the right approach, anyone can become a confident English speaker.

 

Nor Fadhilah Ahmad Powzi

Language Teacher

Department of English and Linguistics

Centre of Language Studies

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia 

Merdeka: From colonial rule to digital colonisation

Norain Azal
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Merdeka: From colonial rule to digital colonisation

Imagine two different scenes.

The first takes place many decades ago. A foreign power controls the land, its resources and many important decisions. The people dream of governing their own country and determining their own future. Independence means freedom from colonial rule.

Now, imagine a second scene.

A student wakes up and immediately checks their mobile phone. An application recommends what to watch, an algorithm selects which news appears on the screen, and an artificial intelligence tool helps complete an assignment. Throughout the day, digital platforms record the student’s searches, interests and online behaviour.

No foreign army has entered the country. No national flag has been replaced. Yet, many choices are quietly influenced by systems the student cannot see, does not fully understand and certainly does not control.

This is the difference between colonial rule in the past and digital colonisation today.

Every August, Malaysians celebrate Merdeka by remembering the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for our independence. We fly the Jalur Gemilang, sing patriotic songs and listen again to the historic declaration of “Merdeka!”

For the earlier generation, freedom had a clear meaning. It was the right to govern the country, control its resources and determine its future without being ruled by a foreign power. Political independence allowed Malaysians to build a nation based on our own identity, values and aspirations.

That meaning remains important. However, the world has changed, and independence must now be understood more widely.

Today, we communicate through social media, store information online and use AI to study and work. Technology makes life easier. It connects people, provides access to knowledge and creates opportunities that previous generations could hardly have imagined.

However, convenience often comes with a price, and that price is frequently our data.

Every time we search online, watch a video, click on an advertisement or communicate with an AI tool, we leave a digital trail. This information can reveal what we like, where we go, what we buy and what attracts our attention. Over time, these small pieces of information create a detailed picture of our behaviour.

In the past, valuable resources included land, minerals and agricultural products. In the digital era, data has become one of the world’s most valuable resources. It allows organisations to understand users, predict their behaviour and influence their choices.

Scholars and technology critics describe this emerging form of influence as “digital colonisation”. This does not mean that modern technology is identical to historical colonialism. The struggles and suffering experienced under colonial rule should never be simplified. Instead, the comparison helps us understand how power has changed.

Colonial powers once gained influence by controlling land and natural resources. Today, large technology companies can gain influence by controlling digital platforms, data and algorithms.

The control is not always obvious. When we open a social media application, we may feel that we are freely choosing what to watch. In reality, an algorithm has already selected and arranged much of the content for us. It decides which videos appear first, which stories receive our attention and which opinions repeatedly appear on our screens.

The more we interact with certain content, the more similar content we receive. Eventually, we may find ourselves surrounded by information that supports only what we already believe. Technology does not need to force us to think in a particular way. It can quietly guide our attention until certain ideas appear more popular, important or trustworthy than others.

Artificial intelligence makes this issue even more relevant. AI can help students generate ideas, understand difficult concepts, improve their language and organise information. As an educator, I believe these benefits should be explored. Asking students to avoid AI entirely would be unrealistic, given that the technology is already becoming part of education and the workplace.

Nevertheless, students must understand one important principle: AI should help us think, not replace our thinking.

Imagine a student who asks AI to complete an assignment and submits the answer without reading it carefully. The task may be completed, but has learning taken place? The student has received an answer but has not necessarily developed knowledge, judgement or confidence.

The real danger is not that robots will suddenly take control of our classrooms. It is that students may gradually become afraid to write without AI, make decisions without AI or trust their own ideas without first asking a machine.

Using AI responsibly, therefore, involves more than knowing how to write an effective prompt. Students must know how to check information, recognise possible bias, compare sources and decide whether an answer is appropriate. Most importantly, they must remain responsible for their final work.

Digital colonisation may also affect our language and cultural identity. AI systems learn from enormous amounts of digital content, much of which is produced outside Malaysia. As a result, local languages, cultural practices, and Malaysian experiences may not always be accurately represented.

AI can write about Merdeka, but it has never experienced Merdeka. It can explain Malaysian unity, but it does not know what it feels like to grow up hearing several languages spoken in the same neighbourhood. It can describe our celebrations and traditions, but it understands them only through data.

If Malaysians do not produce and share credible local knowledge, our stories may eventually be told mainly through systems developed by others. We must ensure that our languages, experiences and perspectives remain visible in the digital world.

Universities have an important role in protecting this new form of independence. We must produce graduates who can use technology confidently while continuing to think critically. They must understand data privacy, digital ethics and the influence of algorithms. They should become creators of knowledge and technology, not merely users of platforms created elsewhere.

Merdeka once meant reclaiming control of our land and national future. Today, it must also mean protecting our data, preserving our identity and maintaining the freedom to think for ourselves.

When the Jalur Gemilang is raised this Independence Day, let it remind us that freedom is not merely a historical achievement to be celebrated every August. It is a responsibility that every generation must protect against new forms of influence and control.

Our predecessors fought for the right to govern this land. Our generation must now protect the right to shape our own minds, tell our own stories and determine our own digital future.

That is what Merdeka must mean in the age of artificial intelligence.

 

Affah Mohd Apandi

Language Teacher

Centre For Language Studies

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia 

UTHM student selected for prestigious MCYTT 2.0 AI Training Program in Wuhan

Norain Azal
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UTHM student selected for prestigious MCYTT 2.0 AI Training Program in Wuhan

by Ts. Dr. A’isyah Mohamed Rehan

WUHAN – Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) via its only student, Nuriswari A/P Gunalan, of Faculty of Engineering Technology has proudly represented the university in the Malaysia-China Youth TVET Training (MCYTT) 2.0 programme held at Wuhan Technical College of Communication in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, from 24 June to 4 July 2026.

Nuriswari was selected alongside 21 other students from various public universities and polytechnics across Malaysia to take part in the Chinese + Artificial Intelligence Technology Training Programme, an international mobility initiative designed to strengthen participants’ technical competencies, global outlook, and industry readiness in emerging technologies.

The MCYTT 2.0 programme was organised by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) under the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), in strategic collaboration with the National Association of Skilled Workers (Belia Mahir Project).

Throughout the programme, participants underwent intensive practical training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for industrial product quality inspection, with a particular emphasis on AI-based welding defect detection.

Participants also visited advanced technology and innovation facilities to observe real-world applications of artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

Among the highlights were demonstrations of the Xiaomi CyberDog 2 bionic quadruped robot and visits to an aviation and aerospace digital training centre, providing valuable insights into intelligent automation, robotics, and advanced engineering technologies.

This experience enhanced Nuriswari’s cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and technical perspective, reflecting UTHM’s commitment to producing globally competitive, future-ready graduates.

UTHM clinched 3 major awards at the 18th Public Universities New Horizon KIK Convention

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UTHM clinched 3 major awards at the 18th Public Universities New Horizon KIK Convention

by Ts. Ng Wee Fern

KUALA LUMPUR – Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) continues to shine in innovation after two teams representing the university successfully brought home three major awards at the 18th Public Universities New Horizon Innovative and Creative Group (KIK) Convention held at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, from 4-6 August 2026.

Team eNCORe of Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology recorded an outstanding achievement after being crowned the Champion in Social Innovation (Creation) category and received the Overall Best Award in Social Innovation category.

Meanwhile, Team INOCEDS of Centre for Diploma Studies also brought honour to the university by receiving the Promising Innovation Award in the Social Innovation (Creation) category.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Mas Fawzi bin Mohd Ali, Vice Chancellor of UTHM was honoured to receive the awards alongside with the winning teams and Prof. Dr. Nik Hisyamudin bin Muhd Nor, Assistant Vice Chancellor (Strategic and Quality) was also on stage to celebrate the winners.

The outstanding achievement of both UTHM teams in the convention was coordinated and facilitated by Ts. Ng Wee Fern, Quality Management Office, UTHM, as part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the culture of innovation, creativity and quality.

With this new achievement milestone of UTHM, it is expected to inspire more members of the UTHM community to develop more impactful ideas and innovations that contribute to the excellence of the university, community and nation.

Between two languages: How the mother tongue shapes English

Norain Azal
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Between two languages: How the mother tongue shapes English

“Teacher, I didn’t do anything that bad to him!” This is typically how a child might respond when accused of doing something he or she claims not to have done. Among Malaysians, however, it is common to hear this phrase instead, “Teacher, I don’t do him until like that one!” which is a direct translation of the Malay sentence, “Cikgu, saya tak buat dia sampai macam tu sekali.” Although unusual in standard English, the meaning is immediately understood within the local context.

In multilingual societies such as Malaysia, the use of Malaysian English is part of everyday communication. This linguistic diversity reflects the country’s rich cultural and language background. At the same time, it also demonstrates what linguists refer to as first language interference; the influence of a speaker’s native language (L1) on the use of a second language (L2).

Understanding how this interference occurs is especially important in academic settings, where clarity, precision, and appropriateness of language are highly valued. Greater awareness of these influences can help educators correct students more constructively while guiding them to recognise that different situations require different varieties and levels of English use.

 

Phonological interference

One of the most noticeable forms of language interference is phonological interference, or pronunciation. Many Malaysians unconsciously apply the sounds, rhythm, or intonation of languages like Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, or Tamil when speaking English. For example, words like “three” may be pronounced as “tree,” or “that” as “dat,” because certain sounds like /θ/ (voiceless dental fricative) do not exist in some local languages. Similarly, English stress patterns may be flattened, making speech sound less natural to international listeners or affecting meaning. This can occur when pronouncing the word “record“. When it is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable (REcord), it functions as a noun meaning stored information. However, when it is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable (reCORD), it functions as a verb meaning to keep or store information for future reference.

 

Grammatical interference

Another common issue is grammatical interference, particularly in sentence structure. In this context, speakers may directly transfer the syntax of their first language into English. A typical Malaysian English example is “This book very interesting” or “I eat already”; omitting the verb “is” in the former and neglecting the structure “have already eaten” in the latter. These reflect Bahasa Melayu structures “Buku ini sangat menarik” and “Saya sudah makan” respectively. While such sentences are widely understood locally, they do not meet standard English grammar rules expected in formal writing. This depicts that each language possesses distinct grammatical rules that must be followed to ensure smooth communication, especially in professional and academic contexts where precision matters.

 

Lexical interference

Furthermore, some expressions or words are translated too literally and this is called lexical interference. Malaysians might say “open the light” instead of “turn on the light,” mirroring the Malay phrase “buka lampu.” There are also cases of ‘false friends’ where words seem similar across languages but differ in meaning. For instance, the word “air” is present in both English and Malay language. Nevertheless, it means ‘an invisible mixture of gases’ in the former and ‘water’ in the latter; with slight differences in pronunciation too. Other examples of Malay-English ‘false friends’are; ‘liar’ and ‘jam’. In Malay, the first describes ‘something wild or untamed, like a wild animal’ (binatang liar), not ‘a person who tells lies’; whereas the second refers to ‘a clock, watch or hour’ instead of ‘traffic congestion or fruit spread’. Although these differences may seem minor, they can easily cause confusion and hinder effective communication in English.

 

Orthographic interference

Spelling can also be affected through orthographic interference. The Malay writing system is highly phonemic as words are spelled exactly how they sound. On the contrary, English orthography is deep and irregular, with various inconsistencies between spelling and pronunciation. Consequently, learners might need time to internalize English spelling conventions and often transfer spelling patterns from their first language during the early stages of learning. For example, Malay has a relatively simple and consistent five-vowel system (a, e, i, o, u), whereas English has a much more complex vowel system that includes vowel digraphs (e.g., bread and chief) and diphthongs (e.g., coin and out). Therefore, it is not surprising that beginner learners spell the English word ‘team’ as ‘tim’ or ‘boat’ as ‘bot’ because they apply the phoneme-to-grapheme correspondence of Malay to English, even though the orthographic systems of the two languages differ significantly.

Various factors influence the extent of first language interference, one of which is subconscious transfer. Since our mother tongue is deeply embedded in our linguistic system, it can be difficult to simply “switch it off” when using another language, particularly when exposure to that language is limited. As a result, learners often rely on the structures of their first language, especially when their English proficiency is still developing or during spontaneous communication.

Despite these challenges, it is important to distinguish between formal and informal language use. Professional and academic settings require standard, grammatically accurate English to ensure clarity and effective communication. Reports, presentations, and academic essays, for example, demand a level of precision that everyday conversations do not. However, this does not mean that localized varieties of English should be dismissed altogether. Informal interactions among family members and close friends serve important social and cultural functions. Expressions such as “Can or not?” and “Eat already?”, although they do not conform to standard English conventions, effectively reinforce a sense of collective identity and cultural belonging.

Ultimately, first language interference should not be viewed as a flaw but as a natural part of the language learning process. The key lies in recognizing when standard English is appropriate and when informal, localized expressions are more suitable. By developing this awareness, Malaysians can communicate competently across a wide range of contexts while maintaining both international intelligibility and their unique linguistic identity.

 

Nurul Izzyana Rahmat

Language Teacher

Centre For Language Studies

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)

 

Typhoon Bavi- Part 2: Building resilience, drainage monitoring and sound geotechnical design reduces storm-related failure

Norain Azal
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Typhoon Bavi- Part 2: Building resilience, drainage monitoring and sound geotechnical design reduces storm-related failure

Previously on Part 1 explained how typhoon rainfall, groundwater, erosion and wind can destabilise slopes and damage infrastructure. For Part 2 it will be discussing on prevention: Managing water, strengthening vulnerable ground, maintaining drainage and monitoring warning signs before failure occurs. For Malaysia, these measures are essential to building resilience against increasingly severe tropical weather.

 

Understanding the ground before building

Effective risk reduction begins with sound geotechnical investigation. Boreholes, trial pits, laboratory tests and groundwater monitoring reveal soil strength, density, permeability, weak layers, loose fill, weathered rock and seasonal groundwater changes.

The investigation must match the site’s scale and complexity, as hillside and infrastructure projects can encounter sharply varying ground conditions over short distances. Historical records of landslides, former stream channels, mining, uncontrolled filling and recurring floods provide further insight, while hazard maps support safer land-use and development planning.

 

Drainage as the first defence

Effective water control is often the most important measure for protecting a slope. Interceptor drains divert runoff, while berm drains, lined channels and culverts convey water safely across slopes, roads and embankments. Where groundwater accumulates, horizontal drains, drainage blankets and perforated pipes reduce pore-water pressure and improve stability.

Outlets must be carefully positioned to prevent downstream erosion. Regular maintenance is equally essential, as sediment, vegetation and waste can cause blockages, ponding and concentrated infiltration. Monsoon inspections should check for cracks, leaks, blocked drains, eroded outlets and uncontrolled discharge from nearby developments.

 

Strengthening vulnerable slopes

Where drainage alone cannot restore an adequate factor of safety, structural stabilisation may be required. Flattening or benching the slope reduces the driving forces, while toe berms can provide additional resistance at the base. Soil nails, ground anchors and reinforced retaining systems improve overall stability by tying potentially unstable soil or rock masses back into stronger ground.

Weak embankments may be strengthened using geogrids, geotextiles or other geosynthetics to improve confinement and distribute loads. Rock slopes may require bolts, wire mesh, shotcrete or catch barriers to control block detachment and falling debris. Exposed soil surfaces can be protected with erosion-control mats, stone pitching, hydroseeding or suitable vegetation.

Retaining walls must also include weep holes, filter layers and back-drainage systems. Without effective drainage, hydrostatic pressure can build up behind the wall, increasing lateral loads and potentially causing sliding, overturning or structural failure.

 

Monitoring what cannot be seen

Because slope failure often develops below ground, monitoring provides a vital early-warning layer. Rain gauges track rainfall intensity and duration, piezometers measure groundwater and pore-water pressure, while inclinometers, crack meters and settlement markers detect ground movement and deformation.

Remote sensing, drones, satellites and automated sensors can extend monitoring across larger areas. These data are most valuable when interpreted together: Heavy rainfall combined with rising pore pressure and measurable movement signals urgent risk. Locally calibrated thresholds can then guide road closures, evacuations and emergency action.

 

Protecting roads, bridges and riverbanks

Slope stabilisation must be complemented by targeted protection of transport and river infrastructure. Road embankments should be properly compacted, protected against surface erosion and provided with adequate cross-drainage to prevent water from accumulating within the fill. Culverts must also be sized for current and projected rainfall intensity rather than relying solely on historical design conditions.

Bridge foundations require particular attention to scour, especially at river bends, constricted channels and locations exposed to high-velocity flow. Riverbanks may be stabilised using revetments, gabions, geotextile systems or bioengineering, depending on the hydraulic conditions, soil characteristics and environmental sensitivity of the site.

Post-storm inspections should assess bridge approaches, culvert outlets, pavement settlement, road edges and riverbank erosion. Damage below the waterline or beneath the pavement may remain concealed until it has already weakened the structure.

 

Vegetation as an Engineering Partner

A well-selected vegetation can reduce surface erosion, slow runoff and provide shallow root reinforcement, making bioengineering a valuable complement to drainage and structural stabilisation.

Planting, however, must be matched to slope gradient, soil depth, climate, root behaviour and maintenance requirements. Large trees on shallow soils or near retaining walls may create additional risk during strong winds, particularly when the ground is saturated.

Vegetation is therefore most effective when integrated into a complete geotechnical design, not used as a substitute for drainage, monitoring or structural support.

 

Communities as the first line of observation

Even the best engineering measures benefit from informed communities. Residents are often the first to notice fresh cracks across roads or slopes, tilting trees, leaning utility poles, bulging retaining walls, or doors and windows that suddenly jam, signs that may indicate progressive ground movement.

Muddy seepage, unusual settlement, small sinkholes, recurring drain blockages and sudden changes in stream clarity should also be reported promptly, as they may signal internal erosion or changing groundwater conditions. Residents should avoid redirecting drains, clearing stabilising vegetation or placing additional loads near vulnerable slopes without technical advice.

Public awareness, clear reporting channels and timely professional inspection can turn local observations into effective early warnings. Not every sign signals imminent failure, but prompt action can prevent a minor defect from becoming a major disaster, and complete the shift from reactive response to shared, long-term resilience.

 

Resilience begins before the rain

True resilience lies not in repairing slopes after failure, but in anticipating risk through regular inspection, sustained maintenance, updated hazard mapping and climate-responsive design. As Malaysia upgrades ageing slopes, drains, retaining walls and bridges, Typhoon Bavi offers a timely reminder: Rain may trigger disaster, but preparedness determines its scale.

Hence, the strongest defence against extreme storms begins not in the sky, but in understanding, monitoring and strengthening the ground beneath us. Because when the rain arrives, it is already too late to start preparing the ground.

 

Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Chee Ming

Faculty of Engineering Technology

 

Principal Researcher

Research Centre for Soft Soils (RECESS)

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia

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