Gading Journal for the Social Sciences (e-ISSN 2600-7568)

A Quantitative Study of Social Media Use among University Students in Sarawak, Malaysia

Pressca Neging — 2026-07-20

This study quantifies social media usage among university students in Sarawak, Malaysia by examining the extent of social media use, preferred social media platforms, primary motivations for use, and common online activities. A quantitative survey design was employed, and data were collected from 305 purposively sampled undergraduate students using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings revealed that 97% of the respondents were active social media users, indicating the widespread adoption of social media among university students. WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube emerged as the three most frequently used platforms. Entertainment was identified as the primary motivation for social media use (39%), followed by socialising (33%) and learning (20%). In terms of online activities, streaming content on YouTube and watching movies (41%), social networking (37%), and listening to music (29%) were the most common activities reported. These findings provide valuable insights into the digital engagement patterns of university students in Sarawak and offer practical implications for educators and higher education institutions seeking to promote more meaningful and productive use of social media for learning, communication, and student engagement.

Exploring Parent-Led Arabic Literacy Development in a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder:

Zahra Hassan Abdul Khaliq — 2026-07-20

This study explores a parent-led Arabic reading intervention using Al-Qaida Nooraniah to support the literacy development of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in a home-based setting. Despite growing research supporting parent-mediated interventions, research on Arabic reading instruction for children diagnosed with ASD remains limited. Furthermore, the linguistic difficulty of the Arabic language causes additional challenges that require structured teaching approaches. A qualitative single-case study was used, involving one parent and one child diagnosed with ASD. Data were collected through 18 reflective journal entries throughout a six-week intervention. The data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase thematic analysis. In addition, trustworthiness was enhanced through prolonged engagement, reflexive journaling, and peer debriefing. The analysis generated four themes: Structured Teaching Activities, Instructional Strategies, Instructional Challenges, and Parental Emotional Reflective Practice. Overall, the findings suggest that responsive parent-led intervention supported the child's engagement and Arabic reading development. The findings also confirm the value of parental reflective practice in informing instructional decisions. This practice also helped strengthened parental confidence throughout the intervention. Although the findings are limited to a single case, they suggest that structured and individualised instructional methods may support Arabic reading development. It also informs future research and practice in autism education.

English Language Learning Strategies among ESL Students in Malaysia: A Systematic Literature Review

Nurul Jannah Ahmad Ghulamuddin — 2026-07-20

The Systematic Literature Review (SLR) investigates English Language Learning Strategies (LLS) employed by ESL students within the Malaysian educational context, particularly focusing the period of 2018 to 2024 after the implementation of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Guided by PRISMA protocols, seven empirical studies were selected from Scopus and Web of Sciences databases based on meticulous inclusion and exclusion criteria. It was found that metacognitive strategies such as planning, monitoring and evaluating were the most widely used and effective across various education levels, followed by cognitive and socio-affective strategies. It had also revealed that university students were the most frequently studied population, leaving a research gap in primary, secondary and vocational education settings. The review underscored the need for more diversified research to inform pedagogical innovation and enhance teacher training programs to fit the students’ strategic learning needs. The review contributed to a clearer understanding of how LLS facilitate English proficiency among Malaysian ESL learners.

Influence of Engagement in Outdoor Activities on Environmental Awareness among Visitors at Taman Botani, Shah Alam

Adam Afif Mohamad Azmi — 2026-07-20

This study investigates the relationship between engagement in outdoor activities and environmental awareness among visitors at Taman Botani, Shah Alam. As urbanisation and technological advancements increasingly disconnect individuals from nature, the role of outdoor recreational activities in enhancing environmental consciousness becomes vital. A quantitative research design was employed, with data collected from 132 respondents through structured questionnaires. The findings revealed strong positive correlations between physical activity, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and environmental awareness. Notably, extrinsic motivation was the strongest predictor, followed by intrinsic motivation and physical activity. Furthermore, participants who engaged in personalised outdoor education programs demonstrated significantly higher levels of environmental awareness compared to those in non-personalised programs. These results underscore the importance of motivational factors and structured learning in promoting pro-environmental behaviours within urban communities. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and urban planners in designing effective environmental education strategies that integrate outdoor experiences for sustainable urban living.

The Influence of Social Media Usage on Business Performance Among Entrepreneurs in Bukit Ibam

Amizatul Adawiah Mohd Khasimu — 2026-07-20

This qualitative study explores the influence of social media usage on business performance among entrepreneurs in Bukit Ibam, a rural community in Rompin, Pahang, Malaysia. Adopting an interpretivist philosophy and a case study design, the research employed semi- structured interviews and a focus group discussion with five micro- entrepreneurs who participated in digital training programs offered by the National Information Dissemination Centre (NADI). Thematic analysis revealed five critical themes shaping business performance: Competitors, Target Sales, Trends, Customer Feedback for Improvement, and Capital. Findings indicate that entrepreneurs demonstrate significant adaptability, leveraging social media platforms for competitor intelligence, sales growth, trend monitoring, and direct customer engagement. This digital integration is supported by NADI’s provision of free 5G internet and certified training. However, business growth is substantially constrained by limited access to capital and intense market competition, which are exacerbated by rising operational costs. The study concludes that while social media enhances market responsiveness and operational capabilities, its impact on long-term business sustainability is mediated by structural financial challenges and local market saturation. The research offers context-specific insights for policymakers and support institutions aiming to design targeted digital entrepreneurship initiatives for rural communities, emphasising the need for integrated strategies that combine digital tool adoption with financial literacy and capital access support.