Disaster risk management of landslides in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

Landslide is one of the major disasters that occur in Malaysia. Despite various initiatives undertaken by the government to reduce their occurrences, landslide incidents continue to occur, resulting in loss of life and property. The development process coupled with climate change increases the risk of landslides. This manuscript briefly looks at the causal factors of landslides and identifies requirements for landslide risk management to identify options to strengthen landslide risk management in Peninsular Malaysia. Risk management encompassing identification of hazards, vulnerabilities and exposure of elements can prevent landslides from becoming a disaster. The study conducted, noted that the present approach in landslide disaster management has not fully incorporated the landslide disaster risk management approach. Key aspects such as legislation, institutions, zoning of disaster risk areas, risk transfer mechanisms and financial allocations require serious consideration. The determination of the legal basis to incorporate risk management measures, which will set out the needed mandates, jurisdiction and responsibility is one of the important steps. It will help ensure that decision making processes are risk-based, and strengthen the processes in preparing disaster risk maps, comprehensive databases using landslide inventory and register. It would also help in the preparation of early warning and emergency response systems as well as bolster community involvement, awareness, and public education. These will require a holistic approach in landslide disaster risk management. It will support the effort undertaken by government and stakeholders to incorporate the four priority areas of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 which can effectively help reduce the risk of landslides.