Reviewing Challenges of Flood Risk Management in Malaysia

Abstract

This study reviewed some of the challenges faced by local authorities in disaster management, especially flood disasters that occurred in Malaysia. Flood disasters are the most frequent disasters in Malaysia, especially during the monsoon seasons. The hard structure developed by Malaysia’s National Security Council (MKN) under ‘Directive 20’ is used to manage disasters in the country. Although Malaysia has become more skillful in managing flood disasters, the frequent climate changes along with weakness in implementing flood risk management plans resulted in much losses and damages throughout the country. Therefore, this study explored the gaps and weaknesses in flood risk management (FRM) in Malaysia by reviewing the available literature to recommend better flood management. This study revealed four main issues which are weaknesses in terms of (i) coordination and communication, (ii) manpower and assets, (iii) public awareness, and (iv) power and authority among local authorities to implement flood management plans. The capacity of local authorities and individuals in charge of disaster management is inadequate, especially for flood risk preparedness and management. Hence, responsible individuals are also in a vulnerable situation to implement management plans or rescue operations when flood disasters occur since they are also flood victims. Thus, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) which acts as the main coordinator of disaster management in Malaysia should re-examine the flood management plan to ensure that it can be implemented efficiently and effectively, especially at the local level as they are the first respondents on the scene when the disaster occurs. The combination of both structural and non-structural measures might require in many cases the management of flood disasters; however, the disaster risk preparedness and management of individuals via customized training is a must to prevent flood disasters as well as minimize their impact. The flood management plan should also incorporate natural-based approaches at the whole-river-basin level for the long-term solution and sustainable development, not only focusing to manage the localized flood problem at the specific area.

Frequency-Based Flood Risk Assessment and Mapping of a Densely Populated Kano City in Sub-Saharan Africa Using MOVE Framework

“…Due to the population size, the sewage and waste water management system is overburdened, the drainage network system is inadequate, and there are cases of dumping of household and commercial refuse in open landfills and direct discharges to the streams and drains. The integration of urban growth and climate change scenarios into flood risk management models as proposed by researchers [61,62] could go a long way in addressing flood issues in developing countries. In the absence of climate change prediction models, flood hazard mapping using flood frequency estimates coupled with flood vulnerability can serve as viable tools to address flood problems in developing countries.…”

Identification of Potential Impacts of Climate Change and the Adaptation Options in Low-Cost Strata Residential Building in Malaysia

“…Abdul Rahman (2009) also stressed out that in Malaysia, the frequency of fl oods, which are one of the climate-related disasters, has been notably high. As stated by Rosmadi et al (2023), fl oods have become a prevalent occurrence in Malaysia. Nonetheless, in recent years, there has been a signifi cant rise in both the frequency and severity of these fl oods, primarily attributable to the effects of climate change.…”

Community-Based Flood Risk Management: Empowering Local Responses: A Case Study in Meru, Klang

“…Here, strategies for disaster mitigation are formulated at the highest levels of governance before being disseminated for on-ground implementation and execution. Whenever a flood disaster strikes, the Malaysian government promptly declares a state of emergency across the impacted regions, dispatching teams of rescue personnel and aid workers to actively participate in relief operations (Rosmadi et al, 2023).…”

“…While Malaysia is widely regarded as proficient in flood disaster management, there remain several concealed challenges that demand urgent attention. These challenges primarily revolve around communication and coordination, manpower and resource allocation, public awareness, and the authority vested in local governing bodies (Mahbawi et al, 2020;Rosmadi et al, 2023). Furthermore, there is an imperative need for an in-depth examination of the risks faced by various segments of the population, particularly those who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged [Community Relations Division (CRD) of the ASEAN Secretariat, 2021].…”