Integrated community based multi-hazards disaster risk reduction framework in Malaysia

Abstract

Community-based approaches in managing and reducing disaster risk are important as stated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030. The absence of systematic bottom-up disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives in Malaysia has impacted the livelihood of some members of the society. The community-led disaster preparedness and risk reduction are poorly treated and the integrated framework is lacking. A multi-stakeholders and multi-hazard approach is still elusive due to the social complexity and local emerging risk. Study areas were selected based on multi-hazard scenarios (flood, landslide and earthquake) covering mountainous area (Cameron Highlands, Pahang), sub-urban setting (Serendah and Kuang, Selangor) and tectonically active region (Kundasang, Sabah) in Malaysia. Therefore, this study outlines three objectives with an overall aim to provide a new insight into the development of community resilience in Malaysia. Firstly, this study seeks the best practice and benchmarking at the international, regional and national level on DRR and determines the practical elements and local needs for the integrated DRR framework. Through an extensive literature review, a conceptual model for community resilient DRR framework was developed and assessed in the real field environment. Secondly, this study analyses the community resilience capitals in understanding local multi-hazard disaster risk. This study utilized the quantitative approach by using different tools for different study areas and different purposes for each assessment tools. Thirdly, this study formulates an integrated community based multi-hazards DRR framework. The descriptive and frequency analysis was used to determine the level of community resilience. The survey shows the need of the guideline for the community to implement basic and simple measures in developing a safer community. The overall Climate Disaster Resilience Index (CDRI) results for sub-district Kundasang, Sabah indicated an acceptable level with the overall community resilience score (3.40). Besides, the Torren Community Disaster Resilience Scorecard for Kuang, Selangor obtained an overall score of 93.63 (64.57 per cent) with some high indicators in the connectedness component. These findings were incorporated into the establishment of the operational framework, which was validated by DRR experts and stakeholders. Index analysis was adopted to determine the suitability of the established components of the integrated framework, which consists of eight components: (1) gathering past and current hazard information; (2) addressing disaster risks; (3) engaging DRR plans with authorities; (4) developing community disaster action plan; (5) prioritizing DRR measures; (6) allocating budget; (7) implementing DRR measures; and (8) establishing community emergency response teams. This study drives a new paradigm in promoting a transdisciplinary approach for developing a resilient society and establishing Local DRR Resilience Strategies in Malaysia as per Target E of SFDRR. With factors such as extreme climate, rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and uniqueness of locality, this study will strengthen the risk governance through the Disaster Management Committee at the district- and state levels, empower the DRR local champions, and build the local capacity of disaster-resilient communities.