UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA SELANGOR

SHAH ALAM CAMPUS

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING
THE CENTRE OF STUDIES FOR BUILDING SURVEYING

ENGLISH FOR REPORT WRITING (EWC 661)

KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY TOWARD

COVID-19 IN MALAYSIA

PREPARED BY:

NO. NAME STUDENT ID

1. FILZAH HUSNA BINTI ABDULL SUKOR 2019455266

2. MALIHAH AFIQAH BINTI AMIRUDIN 2019848638

3. NASRI HAZWAN BIN HARIZAN 2019893226

4. NUR IWANI BINTI AZMAN 2019672372

5. NURAZAM BIN CHE AZELAN 2019801824

GROUP:
AP229 5F

PREPARED FOR:
MADAM AINI FARIDAH BINTI AZIZUL HASSAN

SEMESTER:
OCTOBER 2020 – FEBRUARY 2021

SUBMISSION DATE:
15​TH​ NOVEMBER 2020
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

NO. TITLE PAGE

Abstract i

Acknowledgement ii

1. Introduction 1

2. Problem Statement 3

3. Objective of the Study 3

4. Significance of Study 4

5. Limitation of Study 5

6. Previous Studies 6

7. Methodology 8

References 10
 ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge and awareness among the public
and also determining public readiness to accept behavioural change toward COVID-19. Based
on the purpose of this study, all Malaysians need to understand more deeply about the
COVID-19 epidemic that is plaguing Malaysia and the rest of the world. This understanding
includes related to the causes of the epidemic, especially to children, the elderly, and those with
chronic diseases. Due to the pandemic of COVID-19 in Malaysia, a cross-sectional study will be
conducted to assess the public’s perception on COVID-19 and the practice of social distancing
during the virus outbreak period. A face-to-face sampling was not undertaken in the midst of the
pandemic, thus the online survey will be built as a platform via Google Form. This quantitative
study used questionnaires as a data collection tool. The questionnaire disseminated through
different social media platforms such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter among the students
at Uitm Shah Alam. In order to achieve the objective of this research, all collected data will be
analysed and interpreted in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. The analysis will assess the
real scenario of the knowledge, attitude and practices of community towards COVID-19.

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, first all of we want to thanks to Allah because finally we are able to finish
this group assignment which is “​Written Proposal - Knowledge and Awareness of Community
toward COVID-19 in Malaysia​”. We are using this opportunity to express our gratitude to people
who help us to finish this assignment. We had to take the help and guideline of some respected
persons, who deserve our greatest gratitude. The completion of this assignment makes us
grateful.

Firstly, we want to show our gratitude to ​MADAM AINI FARIDAH BINTI AZIZUL
HASSAN​, because without Madam, maybe this assignment would not be able to finish. Madam
gives a guideline and constant help to us and our friends to finish this assignment not only that,
Madam also always gives us moral support to make us feel spirited.

Next, we want to thank our parents who have given us support when we do this
assignment. From their effort, we know they want the best from us and indirectly, make us want
to do the best by giving all the effort for this project.

Finally, we also want to thank all my friends that always stick together and also work
hard to produce a good assignment by giving their all effort and responsibility to their work.

Thank you.

ii
KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF COMMUNITY TOWARD COVID-19 IN MALAYSIA

1. INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a recently identified coronavirus

strain that is believed to be a type of virus that can cause human respiratory infections.
The World Health Organization (2020) stated that coronavirus spreads primarily through
droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or
sneezes. COVID-19 was first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in an
outbreak of respiratory disease cases. It was originally reported to the World Health
Organization on December 31, 2019 which leads to the declaration of the COVID-19
outbreak as a global health emergency on January 30, 2020 (Cennimo, 2020). Since
then, it has spread to many other countries and has been declared as a global pandemic
by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2019.

The first Malaysian case of COVID-19 was identified on January 24, 2020. To
react to this epidemic, the World Health Organization Country Office has been working
closely with the Ministry of Health, Dato' Sri Dr. Adham bin Baba. The collaboration
comprises sharing technical guidance on critical response actions in both clinical and
public health system strengthening as well as communicating and engaging with the
public on how to protect themselves including catered messages to the general public
and vulnerable populations that are at high risk (World Health Organization, 2020). Until
there is an effective vaccine or treatment, everyone remains at risk. Therefore, everyone
is urged to work together by complying to the guidance given which includes staying at
home, avoid social contact and limit all but essential travel as part of drastic measures
aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 (Elliot, 2020). According to The Straits Times
(2020), Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has also launched a
campaign themed ‘Embracing New Norms’ that is targeted towards raising awareness
on the novel coronavirus and empowering the people to protect themselves.

1
 However, there has been a drastic increase of COVID-19 cases in Malaysia
since the end of September. Therefore, despite the fact that many other campaigns has
been launched, some part of the community still lacks awareness regarding the
harmness of COVID-19 which proves that the government should come up with more
initiatives in order to raise public awareness on assimilating the new normal and highlight
the importance of self-discipline.

​This research is done to evaluate the knowledge and public awareness

regarding COVID-19 to ensure whether or not the community is ready to help tackle the
spread of COVID-19 in Malaysia. This is not just about complying with laws and
regulations, but it is a matter of understanding and embracing it for the common good of
all.

2
2. PROBLEM STATEMENT

Based on the purpose of this research, all Malaysians need to understand more
deeply about the Covid-19 epidemic that is plaguing Malaysia and the rest of the world.
This understanding includes related to the causes of the epidemic, especially to
children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases. Efforts to disseminate
information about this epidemic cover all walks of life in Malaysia and most importantly
ways to avoid being infected by this epidemic.

However, efforts to provide information openly in public places are quite difficult
given the recommendation from the Minister Of Health (MOH) to avoid gathering in
public places, especially congested areas, and to maintain social imprisonment of 1
meter. Observations also found that most Malaysians have no interest in listening to
health briefings held in public places.

To solve the problem that arises, our study intends to disseminate information
related to this epidemic online as well as use existing social media such as Instagram,
Facebook, Twitter, and others. This is because the majority of Malaysians have one of
these social media accounts. In fact, every info and information disseminated in
graphic form to attract Malaysians to read it. In addition, short videos will also be
disseminated online on how to practice standard operating procedures (SOP)
recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Minister Of Health
(MOH) such as the use of face masks, social imprisonment, and the use of hand
sanitizer.

3. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge and awareness among the
public and also determining public readiness to accept behavioural change toward
COVID -19. This study also suggests some objectives that need to be achieved
including:

1. To find out the understanding of Malaysians about COVID-19 and its causes.
2. To determine public readiness to accept behavioural change toward COVID -19.
3. To implement precautions in everyday life.

3
4. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

According to the research findings, it can help to get the knowledge and the
effectiveness of the awareness program of COVID-19 to all the human population
especially to the front-liners who may treat the ill patient as well as the ones who control
the communities’ movement. As soon as the community is well- educated with all the
awareness program such as the mainstream and social media campaign like using
hashtag #stayathome which was being used widely in the media, it actually has helped
them to give all the important messages to stop the spread of COVID-19 which has been
reached to all the society levels (Shah, Safri, Thevadas, Noordin, Abd Rahman, Sekawin
Ideris & Sultan, 2020).

Next, based on previous research, the health workers reported having high stress
level that has impacted the work environment (Babore, Lombardi, Viceconti, Pignataro,
Marino, Crudele, Candelori, Bramanti & Trumello, 2020), thus by having the COVID-19
awareness grasp, it can lessen the stress level to them by following all the SOPs like
always use hand sanitizers, social-distancing, using different gestures of saying hello
instead of handshakes and wearing mask. Another point to add-up, it also can benefit
the community to cope with the pandemic outbreak as well as to reduce the spread of
the terrible disease. Last but not least, with all the wisdom at hand, it can aid society with
the new norm by demonstrating all the awareness campaigns, understanding the risk
and guide them for the prevention of the outbreak whether at home or their workplace.
Hence, the COVID-19 disease can be stopped and decreased from time to time (ITEC &
VTCT, 2020).

4
5. LIMITATION OF STUDY

There are several limitations in this study, which limits the ability to collect the
data. Firstly, we only conduct quantitative research as a data collection tool. Usually, we
implement qualitative research and quantitative research simultaneously to get accurate
data. However, due to the pandemic and Movement Control Order (MCO) of COVID-19,
we only conduct quantitative research to collect data. For example, we have difficulty
carrying out the interview session or observation to get trusted data information from
doctors or knowledgeable people about COVID-19. This study has to implement
quantitative research only via Google Form, which will be distributed by using social
media such as Whatsapp, Facebook and Twitter.

Secondly, we cannot get enough and accurate data information from the
respondents because of COVID-19. It is because we collect the data information from
the respondent who is closest to us since we only use social media as a platform to
undergo quantitative research. As we all know, UiTM Shah Alam consists of several
faculty in it. However, we may get the data information mostly from the students in our
own faculty, which is Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying.This is likely due to
the situation of students at home who find it difficult to surf the internet. With the closure
of UiTM, many students have returned home and some of them live in rural area with low
internet access.

5
6. PREVIOUS STUDIES

In the short period since it was first identified in December 2019, COVID-19 is a
relatively new virus that has had devastating consequences. To date, limited data on
population knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 has been published,
specifically in Malaysia. According to the previous research done by Azlan et al. (2020),
they indicate that Malaysians are acceptable about COVID-19 and generally positively
aware of the pandemic. Despite this, consistent government or health authorities
messaging is essential for public understanding and knowledge of COVID-19. Besides,
specific health education programmes, to increase understanding of COVID-19 and
improve practice, may benefit some categories of the population. Equivalently, the
research done by Alabed, Elengoe, Anandan and Almahdi (2020) has the same
perspective which specifies that the community have a strong understanding, positive
attitudes and adequate hygiene practices towards the contagious infection during the
outbreak of COVID-19. Both previous studies supported by the research done by Abu
Samah, Hadi Sulaiman and Rahah Harun (2020) that clarifies Malaysians citizens
typically have an average level of awareness and a neutral approach to the outbreak of
COVID-19.

As elucidated by Gøtzsche (2020), he believes that coronavirus is suspected to

originate from the animal market; however, this is not clear, like several earlier virus
pandemics. In comparison with the two previous deadly pneumonic diseases, SARS and
MERS, a novel coronavirus, called SARS-CoV-2, triggered significant outbreaks of
COVID-19, according to Shah et al. (2020). In terms of its sources, populations and
individuals reaction and potential social and economic consequences, according to
experts, the novel coronavirus epidemic has a similar nature to other historical
pandemics (Hamit & Zontur, 2020). Tesini (2020) claimed that wide varieties of
coronaviruses found in domestic poultry in the 1930s are responsible for respiratory,
gastrointestinal, liver, neurological and animal diseases. It has been established that
only seven (7) coronaviruses cause human illnesses that most often cause common cold
symptoms, for example, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV.

6
 On the other hand, the previous studies done by Lai, Ma, Wang, Cai, Hu, Wei,
Wu, Du, Chen, Li, Tan, Kang, Yao, Huang, Wang, Wang, Liu, and Hu (2020) and Tian,
Li, Tian, Yang, Shao and Tian (2020) have the same view which everyone’s life changed
in this crucial situation because of limitations of travel and social interactions. Principally,
healthcare professionals tended to work in such sensitive circumstances uninterruptedly
and took the risk from COVID-19. Thus, they were considered one of the most
vulnerable occupational groups to experience psychological stress and other symptoms
of mental health. Both previous studies supported the earlier research done by Lee,
Kang, Cho, Kim and Park (2018), which they claimed that healthcare workers had
reported high-stress levels during the past epidemics.

This research will potentially provide the knowledge and efficiency of the
COVID-19 awareness programme for the community. Moreover, this study could
contribute the same positive perspective on what Azlan et al. (2020), Alabed et al. (2020)
and Abu Samah et al. (2020) had done on their studies. Besides that, by having the
responsiveness of COVID-19, it can help to reduce the stress level of healthcare
workers. The community may follow all the SOPs, including using hand sanitizers,
social-distancing and wearing a mask. All the approaches could be one of the solutions
for the mental health problem faced by healthcare workers as what Lai et al. (2020), Tian
et al. (2020) and Lee et al. (2018) had claimed in their study.

7
7. METHODOLOGY

This section explains the methodology of the research. The main purpose of the
research is to determine knowledge and awareness among the public and also
determining public readiness to accept behavioural change towards COVID-19. Due to
the pandemic of COVID-19 in Malaysia, a cross-sectional study will be conducted to
assess the public’s perception on COVID-19 and the practice of social distancing during
the virus outbreak period. A face-to-face sampling was not undertaken in the midst of the
pandemic, thus the online survey will be built as a platform via Google Form.

This quantitative study used questionnaires as a data collection tool. The

questionnaire disseminated through different social media platforms such as Whatsapp,
Facebook and Twitter among the students at Uitm Shah Alam. The data collection
instrument will be developed by the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic,
disseminated information and public media announcements by the respective
authorities, which relate to the knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and the
practices in controlling the spreading of viruses.

Hence, the questionnaires will consist of five (5) main variables such as
knowledge, attitudes, practices, source of information and socio-demographic
characteristics. These variables also similar with previous studies related on knowledge,
attitude and practices on disease outbreak by Bao-Liang Zhong, Wei Luo, Hai-Mei Li,
Qian-Qian Zhang, Xiao-Ge Liu, Wen-Tian Li and Yi-Li (2020) and Abu Samah et al.
(2020) and outbreak of MERS-CoV by Ahmed Morad Asaad, Rehab H. El-Sokkary,
Abdullah I. Aedh, Mahdi Aly Ali Alzamanan and Fatma Omar Khalil (2019).

The questionnaire consists of four (4) sections. Section A includes the items for
the COVID-19 knowledge measurement of the respondent. Several items will be
developed using the Dichotomous scale, which are also known as true or false
questions. This section included questions such as the origin of disease outbreak, global
highest mortality cases, myth beliefs, transmission types, infection systems, preventive
measures and initiatives by Malaysian authorities. The collected data were combined for
the correct answers as to measure the total value of the knowledge variable.

8
 In addition, section B refers to the attitudes towards COVID-19 in which
respondents were asked to measure their perspective in relation to COVID-19, by using
the 5-point Likert scale from Strongly Disagree (1) to Strongly Agree (5). The total score
for every respondent was averaged to determine the median procedure.

Section C will measure the practices of social distancing. Several statements will
be developed ranging from no practice of social distance to strict practice of social
distance. During this pandemic period of COVID-19, the respondent will be asked to
select an item that reflects their daily practice. Finally, section D of the questionnaires
focuses on the basic demographic data such as age, gender, education level and source
of information towards COVID-19.

A pilot study or pre-test to evaluate the validity of the research instrument will be
conducted prior to the actual data collection period. A total of 10 UiTM Shah Alam
students will be participating in the pilot study to ensure that the questionnaires are
understandable and not confusing. In order to achieve the objective of this research, all
collected data will be analysed and interpreted in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
The analysis will assess the real scenario of the knowledge, attitude and practices of
community towards COVID-19.

9
 REFERENCES

Abu Samah, A., Hadi Sulaiman, A., & Rahah Harun, S. (2020). ​Knowledge, Attitudes, and
Practice among Malaysian in facing COVID-19 During the Implementation of
Movement Control Order​. 1–17. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-35626/v1

Alabed, A. A. A., Elengoe, A., Anandan, E. S., & Almahdi, A. Y. (2020). Recent
perspectives and awareness on transmission, clinical manifestation, quarantine
measures, prevention and treatment of COVID-19 among people living in Malaysia in
2020. ​Journal of Public Health (Germany).​
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-020-01395-9

Asaad, A. M., El-Sokkary, R. H., Aedh, A. I., Alzamanan, M. A. A., & Khalil, F. O. (2019).
Exploring knowledge and attitude toward middle east respiratory
syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-coV) among university health colleges’ students, Saudi
Arabia: A cross- sectional study. ​Revista Brasileira de Gestao e Desenvolvimento
Regional​, ​15(​ 1), 37–43. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajidsp.2019.37.43

Azlan, A. A., Hamzah, M. R., Sern, T. J., Ayub, S. H., & Mohamad, E. (2020). Public
knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in
Malaysia. ​PLoS ONE​, ​15(​ 5), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233668

Babore, A., Lombardi, L., Viceconti, M. L., Pignataro, S., Marino, V., Crudele, M.,
Candelori, C., Bramanti, S. M., & Trumello, C. (2020). Psychological effects of the
COVID-2019 pandemic: Perceived stress and coping strategies among healthcare
professionals. ​Psychiatry Research,​ ​293​(July), 113366.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113366

Gøtzsche, P. C. (2020). The coronavirus pandemic: can we handle such epidemics better?
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine​, ​113(​ 5), 171–175.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076820924587

Hamit, D., & Zontur, E. C. (2020). ​COVID-19 outbreak similar to previous pandemics.​
Anadolu Agency.
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/covid-19-outbreak-similar-to-previous-pandemics/1
777389

10
ITEC, & VTCT. (2020). ​The benefits of sector-specific COVID-19 Awareness Qualifications​.
© 2020 Education & Media Services Ltd.
https://www.itecworld.co.uk/2020/09/22/the-benefits-of-sector-specific-covid-19-aware
ness-qualifications/

Lai, J., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Cai, Z., Hu, J., Wei, N., Wu, J., Du, H., Chen, T., Li, R., Tan, H.,
Kang, L., Yao, L., Huang, M., Wang, H., Wang, G., Liu, Z., & Hu, S. (2020). Factors
Associated With Mental Health Outcomes Among Health Care Workers Exposed to
Coronavirus Disease 2019. ​JAMA Network Open​, ​3(​ 3), e203976.
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.3976

Lee, S. M., Kang, W. S., Cho, A. R., Kim, T., & Park, J. K. (2018). Psychological impact of
the 2015 MERS outbreak on hospital workers and quarantined hemodialysis patients.
Comprehensive Psychiatry,​ ​87,​ 123–127.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.10.003

Shah, A. U. M., Safri, S. N. A., Thevadas, R., Noordin, N. K., Rahman, A. A., Sekawi, Zi.,
Ideris, A., & Sultan, M. T. H. (2020). COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia: Actions taken by
the Malaysian government. ​International Journal of Infectious Diseases​, ​97​, 108–116.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.093

Tesini, B. L. (2020). ​Coronaviruses and Acute Respiratory Syndromes (COVID-19, MERS,

and SARS).​ MSD Manual Professional Version.
https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/infectious-diseases/respiratory-viruses/cor
onaviruses-and-acute-respiratory-syndromes-covid-19-mers-and-sars

Tian, F., Li, H., Tian, S., Yang, J., Shao, J., & Tian, C. (2020). Psychological symptoms of
ordinary Chinese citizens based on SCL-90 during the level I emergency response to
COVID-19. ​Psychiatry Research​, ​288​(April), 112992.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112992

Cennimo, D. J. (2020, October). Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Retrieved from

Medscape: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2500114-overview#a1

11
Elliot, D. (2020, March 21). Everyone urged to stay at home as new government
coronavirus measures were introduced. Retrieved from GrimsbyLive:
https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/everyone-urged-stay-home-n
ew-3969903

The Straits Times. (2020, August 7). Malaysia PM Muhyiddin Yassin to launch Covid-19
campaign. Retrieved from The Straits Times:
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-pm-muhyiddin-yassin-to-launch-co
vid-19-campaign

World Health Organization. (2020). Coronavirus. Retrieved from World Health

Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

World Health Organization. (2020, September 8). Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Malaysia.

Retrieved from World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/malaysia/emergencies/covid-19-in-malaysia

Zhong, B. L., Luo, W., Li, H. M., Zhang, Q. Q., Liu, X. G., Li, W. T., & Li, Y. (2020).
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among Chinese residents
during the rapid rise period of the COVID-19 outbreak: a quick online cross-sectional
survey. ​International Journal of Biological Sciences​, ​16​(10), 1745–1752.
https://doi.org/10.7150/ijbs.45221

12