Local government capacity for earthquake disaster risk reduction in Malaysia: Case studies in Bentong and Selayang areas / Mateen Zayani Abu Bakar

Mateen Zayani , Abu Bakar (2023) Local government capacity for earthquake disaster risk reduction in Malaysia: Case studies in Bentong and Selayang areas / Mateen Zayani Abu Bakar. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaya.

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Abstract

The study investigates the status of earthquake disaster risk reduction (DRR) capacity of local governments (LG) in Malaysia, and the factors that influence LG’s capacity to reduce earthquake risk. Currently there is a lack of understanding and systematic study of the capacity of LGs to address earthquake DRR even though LGs in Malaysia are at the forefront to carry out DRR actions at the local level. The research used a qualitative methodology based on a comparative case study design involving two cases of LGs in Malaysia that has the risk in dealing with earthquakes i.e. Bentong Municipal Council and Selayang Municipal Council. The study employs semi-structured interviews and documentation analysis as its data collection methods. A capacity assessment framework (CAF) has been developed based on key capacity categories that have been identified according to the powers and responsibilities of LG as outlined by UNDRR, and components of UNDP capacity building. The findings of this study suggest that inadequacy of LGs in Malaysia to address earthquake DRR measures are mainly due to several capacity issues: insufficient financial backing, lack of knowledge and required expertise, lack of specific unit to tackle DRR issues, and low utilisation of existing resources such as inter-agency networking and regulations. The findings highlighted the need to empower LGs with improved capacities and governance structure. The paper concludes with several recommendations on how LGs can address key capacity gaps identified in this study.

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