Author(s): Ngai Weng Chan, Nor Azazi Zakaria, Aminuddin Ab. Ghani, Lai Kuan Lee, Narimah Samat
Linked Author(s): Ngai Weng Chan
Keywords: Flood management, social capital, flood disaster, disaster management, role of NGOs
Abstract: Flood disasters affect Malaysia regularly with severe impacts on people, crops, properties and infrastructures. This paper uses a methodology combining data acquisition with quantitative questionnaire survey and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. Results show that decades of a top-down government-centric approach providing help and aid to flood victims have made people less resilient. Flood victims are used to flood aid and are unable to fend for themselves. The modern way of single family lifestyle results in the erosion of social capital, migration of the young and the break-up of the extended family structure, all of which decrease family size and weaken kinships. Hence, victims become more vulnerable. Results show that victims are poorly prepared to face floods, impacts are severe, and flood victims more exposed. However, results also show that social capital is resurfacing in some families, making them resilient. Hence, flood management should engage victims more, so that they are empowered and have their capacities enhanced to become more resilient to floods. When the public (victims) are actively engaged and involved, it will enhance their ability to respond to flood or other disasters effectively and appropriately. The Malaysian official flood management authorities need to integrate their flood disaster plans with those of the private sector and NGOs, as well as engage the victims towards a more holistic flood management strategy for overall flood loss reduction
Year: 2017