Mapping perception of community preparedness towards flood in Muar River, Johor Malaysia

Abstract

The top-bottom approach of disaster management framework is used in many countries, including Malaysia. This approach allows the top management level to make decisions and implement strategies. Contribution from the bottom management level especially the communities often are not being taken into consideration and sometimes, totally being ignored. This study aims to analyse the level of preparedness of community engagement towards flood disaster management. 100 households from Segamat District were randomly selected and interviewed. Assessment of their perception towards flood preparedness is explored by means of Likert scale analysis and GIS tools. This paper discusses the results of community preparedness towards flood disasters management. The findings revealed that community are better prepared and independent towards the disasters and thus there is a need to be considered. Community engagement in the management is crucial and thus, this study suggests an enhancement of the current approach of management. Experiences with disasters, knowledge awareness towards the disasters risks are the reasons the importance in community engagement towards disaster management