MERCY Malaysia's experience in recent response and rebuilding of disaster areas

Abstract

In the last decade, the world has witnessed a multitude of natural disaster ranging from the great tsunami of 2004 to the recent earthquake in Shenzhen, China. Relief efforts from international agencies have contributed in improving the lives of the disaster victims. As a recent established relief organization, MERCY Malaysia's main objective was to assist in medical services but as these areas required major reconstruction interventions, therefore, services from the allied built environment professions have been included in the rebuilding program. The crux of this paper is to chronologically delineate the projects that MERCY MALAYSIA has completed and to highlight the approaches taken in providing the amenities for the internally displaced personnel. The paper will also address the challenges and opportunities for future intervention in improving response and recovery efforts in enhancing sustainable development and establishing a mechanism towards good governance in disaster areas. It is hoped that the paper could excite the dissemination and exchange of expertise, experience and information among the allied built environment professions. © 2009 WIT Press.