Haliza Mohd Zahari
National Defence University of Malaysia

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Improving objectivity in assessing community empowerment grant proposals Nurul Naqirah Binti Shukor; Haliza Mohd Zahari; Mohd Muhaimin Ridwan Wong; Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad; Fuad Abas; Wan Norhasniah Wan Husin
International Journal of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 1 No. 2 (2024): November
Publisher : P3M Politeknik Negeri Jember

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25047/ijossh.v1i2.5545

Abstract

Community empowerment grants is one of many initiatives by the Malaysian government to foster social change, economic development and environmental sustainability at the grassroots' level. Annually, the government through its many ministries offer such grants to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) for community program implementations with a predefined aim, scope and target beneficiaries. Analysis of relevant documents, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving representatives of Jabatan Pendaftaran Pertubuhan Malaysia (JPPM) and local NGOs is the qualitative method used to enhance the evaluation of community program grant proposals, particularly with the aim to ensure objectivity, fairness and transparency. In this paper, preliminary studies for developing scoring rubric to address the above issue, drawing from extensive review of current practices and responses received from both the government and the NGOs. The assessment is designed around dimensions of community empowerment deliverables, measurable outcomes, implementation capacity, risk management, and program sustainability, each with their own set of indicators. Additionally, this paper also explored the challenges and potential for the application of the scoring rubric for different type of grants, projects or users. In conclusion, by providing a clear and consistent tool to evaluation community program proposals, it is believed that the decision-making and evaluation processes for public-funded community programs, and subsequently the positive impact of such initiatives by the government can be further improved.
The Impact of community empowerment programs: participant views on safety, well-being, and public agency collaboration Noor Diyana Fazan Ahmad; Haliza Mohd Zahari; Mohd Muhaimin Ridwan Wong; Nurul Naqirah Shukor; Fuad Abas; Wan Norhasniah Wan Husin
International Journal of Studies in Social Sciences and Humanities Vol. 2 No. 3 (2026): March
Publisher : P3M Politeknik Negeri Jember

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.25047/ijossh.v2i3.5660

Abstract

Following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Malaysian government implemented various initiatives to enhance the quality of life for communities affected by the crisis. One such initiative involved offering grants to associations registered with the Malaysian Registrar of Societies (ROS). These grants were offered to empower local communities, improve their living standards, and ensure their safety and well-being. This study aims to assess the benefits of these funds to the community, specifically in safety, well-being, leadership, and collaboration with public agencies. A self-administered online survey was conducted among 750 respondents who participated in programs organized by the grant-receiving associations. The questionnaire comprised five sections: demographic information, community safety, well-being, leadership, and collaboration with public agencies. Findings from the survey were analysed using descriptive analysis in SPSS Version 22. Results indicate that respondents were strongly inclined to engage in safety activities, thereby contributing to enhanced community harmony. Furthermore, motivation to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to offer mutual support among community members increased, especially during emergencies. Participants also show greater confidence, have a clearer understanding of their roles within the community, and demonstrate a strong commitment to community development. Public agencies were perceived to be cooperative, attentive to the community's needs, and prepared for long-term collaboration. Findings suggest an improvement in the overall well-being of the community that was involved in the programs organised.