PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PREPAREDNESS ON LOCAL INSTITUTIONS COPING STRATEGIES TOWARDS NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Recent years, Malaysia had experienced natural disasters such as landslides and flood. Lack of emergency management when dealing with natural disaster will exacerbate the problem and lead to financial, structural and even human losses. This study intends to examine the impact of coping strategies by local institutions on public awareness and preparedness towards natural disaster management. This research involved an exploratory phase and a detailed reflective phase which covered the Klang Valley. In this study, about 1500 copies of self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. Questionnaires were collected once the respondents completed the survey.  During the reflective phase, in-depth interviews were conducted to measure the level of awareness and preparedness towards natural disaster management of communities. The local residents and residence association representatives were the targeted respondents for the in-depth interviews. The findings of this study are the coping strategies used by local authorities are unsustainable and had not constructed permanent solution in overcoming the growing negative effects of hazards.  This research will help promote a safe and secure urban society in Malaysia through a better understanding of the proactive disaster management activities and the significant role of local institutions.