Connecting solar generated electricity during flood disaster in the FELDA communities of Malaysia: the public perception

Abstract

Solar electrification is a significant solution for supplying electricity at the evacuation centre during power shortage or blackouts in a flood disaster situation. However, it is a challenge to connect this technology to the local communities, especially for the rural people due to the limited accessibility of the technology. Strong support from the Government is needed in disseminating this technology for the locals, especially during a flood disaster where victims need the power aid relief during the power interruption. By using solar technology, the power can be generated and stored ahead of time at the flood relief centre. This paper will investigate on the perception of rural communities in Malaysia; focusing FELDA communities, in connecting the solar electrification during a flood disaster. The significant approaches for connecting FELDA communities with solar electrification need to be explored strategically. In order to investigate the acceptance of FELDA communities in connecting solar electrification in the flood evacuation centre, survey research through questionnaires has been obtained from the respondents. Interestingly, the result shows that the back-up electricity supply system is needed in order to accommodate the electricity supply at the evacuation centre when flood occurs. The research found that the local people are ready to use the solar electrification as a supportive electricity system during flood disaster. This paper has elaborated on the significance approaches towards connecting people with the technology.