Written by: Sharika Tasnim
Edited by: Wan Nur Amrina
Flooding is prevalent in Malaysia and causes severe damage to infrastructure, including building structural failure. Physical damage can profoundly impact people, particularly those who become victims and are forced to cope with the aftermath of a flood disaster. In many cases, such incidents induce significant psychological stress, as individuals may be forced to relocate and lose their belongings and property. It can be an incredibly challenging experience to endure, as it can lead to feelings of uncertainty, instability, and anxiety.
In the discourse on flood resilience, Hafiz Amirrol, Deputy Executive Director of Mercy Malaysia and Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), provides a pivotal perspective. He underscores Malaysia's resilience in facing occasional floods and emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive disaster management approach extending beyond emergency response. "Even though we experience severe flooding, it is not frequent. However, in terms of a disaster, it cannot only stop at emergency response; some needs go beyond emergencies. Businesses are affected, people's livelihoods need restoration, and schools require reconstruction for safety and security, along with residential properties. In that sense, there is a significant gap."
Hence, he stresses the imperative of moving beyond immediate responses and addressing persistent needs long after the crisis. The reconstruction of residential properties, businesses, and schools emerges as a top priority, creating a resilient Malaysia that can withstand flooding challenges. Moreover, the focus extends to matters critical for resilience, such as flood-resilient housing and infrastructure. The vision encompasses not only the physical aspects but also resilient socio-economic frameworks, ensuring the livelihoods of the community endure and thrive in the face of adversity.
Dr. Khairusy Syakirin Has-Yun Bin Hashim, the Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), adds another layer to the vision for flood-resilient Malaysia. Unveiling a strategic three-stage approach, he positions awareness, readiness, and willingness as the cornerstones of fortifying the nation against recurring floods.
"When introducing new concepts, setbacks may arise from recipients and society. The process should begin with awareness, then readiness, and finally willingness. Awareness means providing all information related to the new technology or system to educate citizens about minimising risks. Once equipped with knowledge, the second stage, readiness, is crucial. Are they prepared for the technology or new system? For instance, cost may be a significant factor in incorporating flood-resilient materials or design strategies in residential properties. However, if citizens are aware of the need for new design strategies or materials to address a more significant problem, they will move to the second stage. The third one would be willingness. Are they willing to do it or not?"
Dr. Khairusy underscores the profound ripple effect of knowledge, envisioning empowered communities as catalysts for transformative change. He argues that the collective understanding of the larger problem amplifies the impact of individual decisions, creating a transformative wave of flood-resilient and sustainable practices that can withstand the test of time.
In the realm of flood resilience, Ahmed Farhan Roslan, a researcher from THINKlab Salford, emphasises the necessity to assess risks within specific areas, recognising the diverse factors influenced by the local context. "Each area, considering the local context, presents different factors. The key stakeholders involved should aim to understand the risk so that we can formulate proper mitigation or adaptation plans for flooding," he asserts. This approach, he notes, is pivotal and aligns with global disaster risk reduction strategies outlined in the Sendai framework.
One of the focal points of Roslan's perspective revolves around the importance of engaging with communities in the design process. However, Roslan acknowledges that effective engagement poses a significant challenge.
"When we try to come up with a good design, we need to engage with people. So, most scholars mention user-centric design, but how we engage with people is one of the difficulties for us to overcome and to enhance design approaches," he elucidates.
In this collective endeavour, Malaysia stands on the precipice of not only mitigating the impact of floods but also emerging as a beacon of sustainable urban development. By heeding the call for awareness, readiness, and willingness, the nation can forge a legacy of resilience, ensuring that future generations inherit cities that thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings. The path to a flood-resilient tomorrow is brilliantly illuminated, and Malaysia, with its rich tapestry of innovation and determination, has the golden opportunity to lead the way.
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