Flood Disaster Management in Sungai Pahang Basin: Case of Temerloh

Abstract

Flood is one of the most common disasters in Malaysia especially during northeast monsoon season (November–March). This chapter analyses flood disaster management strategies in Pahang on preparations and vulnerabilities of the local communities along the Pahang River Basin, especially in Temerloh. In Malaysia, the National Security Council (MKN) is the organisation that is fully responsible in managing the national disaster management system, which provides an effective relieve mechanism for flood disaster. This study utilises two type of sources which are primary and secondary sources to collect the data. The primary data were collected in June 2015 through a survey of 202 respondents affected by the flood by using semi-structured questionnaires through an interview conducted in person. Meanwhile, the secondary data were collected from the local authorities. From both sources, the survey shows that 31% of the population in Temerloh did not get an early warning notification, more than half involving those in the rural area. Lack of efficient early warning system became one of the vulnerability factors affecting local community. About 78% of respondents have been relocated to the relief centres around Temerloh. Agricultural income dropped by 31.2% as the result of damaged crops and cessation of small businesses, which contributed to the increase in hardcore-poor category by 6.5%. The study concludes that it is essential to review the effectiveness of flood disaster management strategies in Pahang to minimise the aftermath impact of flooding to the community.

Citation

Alias, N.A., Siwar, C., Ismail, M.K. and Idris, N.D.M. (2018), "Flood Disaster Management in Sungai Pahang Basin: Case of Temerloh", Improving Flood Management, Prediction and Monitoring (Community, Environment and Disaster Risk Management, Vol. 20), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 91-102. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2040-726220180000020017