There are various constraints and challenges faced in conducting seismic vulnerability assessment studies in Malaysia due to key factors related to appropriate data availability, methods and frameworks. This paper would highlight on the proposed method and framework for assessing and calculating the seismic vulnerability index at district level for Malaysia condition. A set of vulnerability index indicators that incorporate exposure, resilience and capacity elements had been constructed to identify and evaluate local features that would contribute to the vulnerability of populations and properties to the occurrence of earthquakes. Specifically, a multivariate data analysis method would be performed to identify and assess the relative contribution (weightage value) of respective indicators and following with the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to map and generate the spatial heterogeneity of total vulnerability index map and potential seismic vulnerability index map. Finally, the derived maps could provide preliminary information on the seismically vulnerable area classifications in order to improve the disaster mitigation and preparedness strategies by response disaster agencies.

Various techniques and frameworks for an evaluation of seismic vulnerability have been developed and established in previous studies. However, some techniques demand a significant amount of empirical data currently not readily available in developing countries. Therefore, this study proposes a new seismic risk evaluation method at the local district level. A holistic model was constructed for the purpose of assessing potential seismic vulnerability based on appropriate indices and their relative contribution towards vulnerability and coping capacity. It allowed the estimation of vulnerability in terms of exposure, resilience, and capacity factors. Then, utilization of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools resulted in the generation of a total vulnerability map via integration of the study variables to highlight the socio-economic and physical characteristics of vulnerability for the districts in Pahang, Malaysia. Subsequently, a seismic risk map of the study area was derived by overlying the derived map with the seismic hazard map. Consequently, the study revealed the highest levels of seismic risk were concentrated in the central-west of the Pahang region, namely the Bentong district. In contrast, the least vulnerable areas encompassed the Pekan and Jerantut areas, which were located in the eastern region. In brief, the study findings would serve as the foundation towards reducing the country's vulnerability to disasters.

Devastating effects of natural disasters dynamically depends on the vulnerability components of a specific area. Therefore, assessing vulnerability is necessary to estimate the earthquake risk. This paper argues for a multidisciplinary method that integrates social vulnerability into the seismic risk analysis in Pahang. The methodology specifically relies on; (1) the development on a set of social indicators using multivariate data analysis to identify and evaluate the local characteristics that contribute to the vulnerability and risk of inhabitants of district space; and (2) the application of Geographical Information System (GIS) technology for generating and mapping the spatial pattern of social vulnerability index for seismic hazard in Pahang, Malaysia that was based on the classification of its exposure level. The classes of a social vulnerability index map were overlaid with a seismic hazard map that was proposed by JMG (Mineral and Geoscience Department Malaysia) through the use of map algebra functions in GIS tools. Results for social vulnerability map showed that, majority of the study area are in relatively low to moderate level except for Kuantan district, which is highly vulnerable. Meanwhile, the combination of the social vulnerability map and seismic hazard map reveals that, districts in the central parts of the region are the most highly exposed to earthquake threats, whereas in the eastern part it demonstrates the low level of exposure to seismic hazard (with the exception for the Kuantan district, where it is highly vulnerable). The proposed method provides useful information on the spatial variability of exposure vulnerability to seismic hazard that could enhance the earthquake preparedness and mitigation.

This research was conducted with a view to updating the management of earthquakes through an exposure vulnerability and potential seismic risk assessment, along with its application in Sabah (a state in East Malaysia). A set of indicators and methodologies has been proposed in this study with the goal of evaluating the level of exposure vulnerability and potential risk of certain locations to earthquake events at the local district scale. This study specifically involves the development of exposure vulnerability indicators; the statistical analysis method to standardize multivariate data together with a weight calculation of indicator variables; and a mathematical combination of different indicators for the development of the index map using the spatial analysis function of Geographical Information System (GIS) tools. Then, the derived exposure vulnerability index (EVI) map is overlaid with the seismic hazard in determining the geographical location of the most vulnerable areas and their exposure to seismic hazard events. As a result, and based on the available data, the exposure vulnerability index map shows that most districts in Sabah are at relatively low and moderate levels of risk except for a few districts, with several major cities in Sabah, such as Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Sandakan and Tawau municipality, being situated at a high or very high exposure index. The combination of EVI maps and hazard maps indicate the dominance of the two factors influencing the potential level of earthquake risk. Studies reveal most of the southwest and central parts of the region are not at risk, as both exposure and hazard factors are at a low level. The proposed approach depicts an instrument for identifying cost-effective risk reduction initiatives by providing a scientific method for regional risk planning and management strategies. This research represents the first attempt to evaluate Sabah’s vulnerability to this type of natural disaster by understanding the spatial relationship between exposure vulnerability and earthquake hazard, which undoubtedly could be improved in several aspects.