ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 1
Country Report of MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA1*

1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Malaysia is a federal constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia. It is located between 2° North and
7° North of Equator in Southeast Asia. The total land area is about 329,847 square kilometers
separated by the South China Sea in two regions, Peninsular and Malaysian Borneo. Land borders
are shared with Thailand, Indonesia and Brunei, and maritime borders exist with Singapore, Vietnam,
and the Philippines. Four-fifths of Peninsular Malaysia is covered by tropical rainforest and swamp.
Sabah is split in two (2) by the Crocker Mountains, rising to over 4,100 m (13,450 ft) at Mt. Kinabalu,
the highest point in Malaysia. The rainforests cover the greater part of Sarawak and many of therivers are navigable as one the famous longest river in Malaysia is Rajang River. By year 2010, thetotal population in Malaysia is about 28.25 million with multiethnic and multicultural population such,
Malay – 61 %, Chinese – 30 %, Indians – 8 % whereas others – 1 % of peoples. The Capital City is
Kuala Lumpur, while Putrajaya as Federal Government. Malaysia’s climate is a tropical climate withuniform temperature (maximum = 33°C, minimum = 23°C) in high humidity where situated inequatorial doldrums area. It is divided into two (2) seasons which are Southwest Monsoon,
Northeast Monsoon and two (2) shorter periods of Inter-monsoon seasons.

1* Disclaimer: This report was compiled by an ADRC visiting researcher (VR) from ADRC member
countries. The views expressed in the report do not necessarily reflect the views of the ADRC. The
boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps in the report also do not imply
official endorsement or acceptance by the ADRC.
1

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 2Country Report of MALAYSIA

2. NATURAL HAZARDS AFFECTING MALAYSIA
2.1 Background of Natural Hazards Affect the Country
Malaysia is geographically located just outside the “Pacific Rim of Fire” and is generally free fromsevere natural disasters such as earthquake, volcanic eruption and typhoon. Although Malaysia
is spared from the threats of severe natural disasters and calamities, Malaysia is nonetheless notspared from other disasters such as flood, man-made disaster, landslide and severe haze. In thepast few years, Malaysia has experienced several extreme weather and climatic events, ranging
from freak thunderstorms to monsoonal floods which have caused havoc in the country.
2.2 Recent Major Disasters
A monsoonal flood is one of the major disasters in Malaysia, where they are an annual
occurrence which varies in terms of severity, place and time of occurrences. Flood is the mostsignificant natural hazard in Malaysia. Yearly, an estimated 29,800 square kilometers are flooded,
affecting 4.82 million people, and causing physical damages amounting up to RM915 million.
Rapid development, unplanned urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation
have caused worse and more frequent occurrence of flash floods especially in urban areas.
The most recent flood was held in Johor on January 2011 when the country was prepared for asmall election event - Pilihanraya Kecil (PRK) DUN Tenang at the district in Segamat area, Johor(Fig. 2.2). The rainfall amount above than normal was started on January 28, 2011 caused by
La-Nina phenomenon that had been reported by Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD).
This effect of La-Nina was expected occur for the first four months of 2011.

Fig. 2.2: Map of Johor – Southern part of Peninsular Malaysia

Refer to Table 2.2 below, it is shown that the most affected district was in Segamat about 54,165
of victims were evacuated whereas the minimum affected area was in Mersing with 261 peoples.
376 of evacuation centres were opened during the period that was fully monitored by the Flood
Operations Johor State Office.

2

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 3
Country Report of MALAYSIA

Table 2.2: Total Numbers of Flood Victims and Evacuation Centers in Various Districts
in Johor, Malaysia

Total
No.

District ofJohor

VictimPer
FamilyEvacuation
CentreNumberof Dead1

KOTA TINGGI

2,838

542

21

0

2

JOHOR BAHRU

10,921

2,667

24

0

3

MUAR

10,151

2,979

34

0

4

BATU PAHAT

24,130

5,460

63

0

5

LEDANG

11,614

3,002

52

0

6

PONTIAN

848

203

13

0

7

KULAIJAYA

1,732

405

11

1

8

MERSING

261

70

2

0

9

SEGAMAT54,165

10,590104

510

KLUANG

*

4,358

52

0

116,660**

30,276

376

6

Total

(*) – Not reported by Kluang District, (**) – excluded data of Kluang
Source: National Security Council (NSC), Malaysia 2011

Top View of Flood Situation at Segamat, Johor on January 20113

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 4Country Report of MALAYSIA

Besides in Year 2010, which happened back in November 2010 in Kedah and Perlis, where thistwo states were faced among the worst flood experienced by the country. The total economic
loss and the financial burden on the government were enormous. Other than flooding, thecountry also from time to time, experienced some man-made disasters, which caused
considerable damage to properties and loss of lives.

Severe floods in Kedah and Perlis on November 2010

3. DISASTER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN MALAYSIA
3.1 Administrative System
Malaysia practices Parliamentary Democracy with a constitutional monarch, His Majesty theYang Pertuan Agong, as the Supreme Head of the country. The King performs his official duties
upon the advice of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet as provided for by the Constitution. His
Majesty also holds the position of Islamic Religious Head and as Supreme Commander of the
Malaysian Armed Forces.
In keeping with the concept of Parliamentary Democracy which forms the basis of thegovernment administration in Malaysia, the Federal Constitution underlines the separation of
governing powers among the Executive, Judicial and Legislative Authorities. The separation of
power occurs both at the Federal and State level. Each state has a unicameral legislature known
as the ‘State Legislative Assembly’ and every state is further divided into districts, which are thendivided into ’mukim’. In Sabah and Sarawak districts are grouped into ‘division’. MalaysianParliament divided into three (3) components; The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Senate and House ofRepresentatives. The Parliament, the legislative authority for Malaysia formulates laws to thecountry, makes amendments to existing federal laws, examines the government’s policies,
approve the government’s expenditures and new taxes.
3.2 Legal System and Framework
In order to applying to all of the disaster phases of prevention, mitigation and preparedness,
emergency response as well as recovery and rehabilitation, to form a comprehensive disaster

4

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 5Country Report of MALAYSIA

mitigation framework, the relevant laws and regulations were enacted.
The National Security Council Directive No. 20 (NSC No. 20): The Policy and Mechanism for
National Disaster and Relief Management is the main guideline for disaster management in
Malaysia. The directive prescribes the mechanism on the management of disasters including the
responsibilities and functions of related agencies under an integrated emergency management
system. This directive also supported by other S.O.P which outlines the mechanism as well as
roles & responsibility of various agencies for specific disasters, i.e. flood; open burning, forest fire,haze, industrial disasters and etc.
Relevant laws are as follows below, such as:
1. Government Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
2. SOP in Handling Flood Disaster (Volume I)
3. SOP in Handling Industrial Disaster (Volume II)
4. SOP in Handling Forest Fire/Open Burning and Haze (Volume III)
5. SOP in Handling Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Disasters
6. SOP in Handling Earthquake Disaster7. SOP in Handling Tsunami Disaster8. SOP in Handling Drought Disaster9. Police Act 1967
10. Fire Services Act 1988
11. Civil Defense Act 1951
12. SOP on Pandemic/ Endemic Preparedness Plans - MOH
13. Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Act 2004
14. Land Conservation Act 1960
15. Environment Quality Act 1974
16. Local Government Act 1976

5

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 6Country Report of MALAYSIA

17. Street, Drainage and Building 1974
18. Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
19. Uniform Building By-Laws 1984
20. Public Order Manual (POMAN)
21. National Contingency Plan for Oil Spill Combat

3.3 Structure of Disaster Management
The National Security Council Directive No. 20 stipulates three (3) levels of disastermanagement, i.e. district, state and federal levels (Fig. 3.3(a)). Activation of the specificexecuting committee will depend on the characteristics and scale of event as well as coverage ofimpacted areas. In any case, District Officer is the key implementing agency on ground to ensure
responses are coordinated, asset and human resources are sufficient, and communication withthe media. In higher levels, state and/or federal government will support in cross-boundary
coordination and mobilizing necessary additional resources.

6

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 7Country Report of MALAYSIA

1. The District Disaster Management and Relief Committee(Level I Disaster)
2. The State Disaster Management and Relief Committee(Level II Disaster)
3. The National Disaster Management and Relief Committee(Level III Disaster)Fig. 3.3(a): Disaster Level I Escalate to Disaster Level II and Disaster Level III

In details, task coordination of these three (3) levels and their specifically responsible functions,as explained in Fig. 3.3(b) below:
LEVEL ILEVEL II

7

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 8Country Report of MALAYSIALEVEL III

Fig. 3.3(b): Task Coordination of Three (3) level I, Level II and Level III

In addition, Fig. 3.3(c) below shows the Mechanism of Organizational Structures in Disaster
Management in Malaysia.

Fig. 3.3(c): Disaster Management Mechanism and Organizational Structures

8

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 9Country Report of MALAYSIA

3.4 Strengthen Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response at all Levelsa) Identify, Assess and Monitor Disaster Risks and Enhance Early Warning
As Malaysia’s most frequent disasters are affected by weather, Malaysia Meteorological
Department (MMD) is the sole agency tasked with the responsibility of monitoring
weather and seismological and tsunami activities that can affect the country. MMD has
the latest technologies and infrastructures available to effectively monitor weatherchanges and developments in the region. These include an integrated forecasting
system observation networks consisting of 38 strategically distributed automatic weather
stations, 11 meteorological radars, a meteorological satellite imageries receiving systems,
a lightning detecting network for Peninsular Malaysia, 8 forecast offices, as well as
weather data and information of the world, received from the Global Telecommunication
System (GTS), the internet and other means. As the Fig. 3.4(a)(i) shows, the Role of
Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD) in order to monitor disaster risk andstrengthen the disaster preparedness in the country.

Fig. 3.4(a)(i): Role of Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD)

9

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 10
Country Report of MALAYSIA

With regards to seismological and tsunami warning, MMD under Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) had set up a Malaysian National Tsunami Early
Warning System (MNTEWS) to provide issuance of information, advisory, notice, early
warning and warning on the occurrence of earthquake and tsunami that threaten the
security and safety of Malaysia. The system is an integral part of the Indian Ocean
Tsunami Warning System and Northwest Pacific Tsunami System coordinated by theIntergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), UNESCO. As part of IOC
Tsunami network, Malaysia has established the linkage with Pacific Tsunami Warning
Centre (PTWC), Honolulu and Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo.

As shown in Fig. 3.4(a)(ii), the dissemination of tsunami warning to alert the generalpublic is done via short messaging system (SMS), telefax, web pages, media broadcast
and public announcement such as sirens at specially chosen sites in Peninsular
Malaysia and Sabah. A fixed line disaster alert system (FLDAS) is being developed by
the Government and Telekom Malaysia (TM) before the tsunami warning will
disseminate to various emergency agencies including National Security Council (NSC).
Pre-recorded emergency later voice messages on the early warning of potential
catastrophic disasters such as tsunami can be broadcasted to TM’s fixed line subscribers.

Fig. 3.4(a)(ii): The Dissemination Component of Tsunami Warning

10

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 11
Country Report of MALAYSIAb) The National Disaster Data and Information Management System (NADDI)
1. The National Disaster Data and Information Management System (NADDI) is
coordinated by NSC and Malaysia Remote Sensing Centre (MACRES) (Fig.
3.4(b)). The objective of NADDI is to establish a central system for collecting,storing, processing, analyzing, and disseminating value-added data andinformation to support the relevant agencies in the mitigation and relief activities
of disaster management in the country. The system enables all government
agencies to be well prepared in handling disasters as it provides all importantdata and information about natural and manmade disasters.
2. NADDI emphasizes on the utilization of remote sensing technologies,
Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS)technologies to provide up-to-date and reliable data to support the threecomponents of disaster management, that are, (i) early warning, (ii) detection andmonitoring, and (iii) mitigation and relief for pre, during and post disastermanagement activities coordinated by NSC and implemented by relevant
authorities.

Fig. 3.4(b): National Disaster Management Program11

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 12Country Report of MALAYSIAc) Identification of the Leading Agencies
In order to effectively address various kinds of disasters, several agencies wereidentified as the leading agencies in order to take all necessary action to prevent andmitigate the impacts of disaster, such;•

Haze – the Department of Environment•

Flood – Department of Irrigation and Drainage•

Pandemic/Endemic for human being – Ministry of Health•

Pandemic/Endemic for animals – Ministry of Agriculture•

Sea disaster – Marine Department•

Air disaster – Department of Civil Aviation•

Chemical disaster – Chemical Department•

Nuclear and radiology – Atomic Energy Licensing Boardd) Command and Control during DisasterIn the event of disaster, two (2) levels of command and control shall be established,
namely the On Scene Command Post (OSCP) and Disaster Operations Control
Centre (DOCC) (Fig. 3.4(d)). OSCP is managed by the Officer In-Charge of Police
District and all relevant agencies are required to report to him. Whereas the DOCC
performs the duty as the operation room in order to facilitate and coordinate all action.

Fig. 3.4(d): Diagram of Disaster Operating Control Center (DOCC) and On Scene Command
Post (OSCP)

12

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 13
Country Report of MALAYSIAd) Capacity Building
It is made compulsory for staffs from all relevant agencies to undergo training and seminars
relating to disaster management to equip themselves with necessary knowledge andexpertise. The sessions are either conducted by local or international disastermanagers/experts.
NSC, in collaboration with local universities and other government agencies, has held
numerous workshops, seminars, training sessions and drills to raise the awareness of the
public in regard to various kinds if disaster.
e) Volunteers
Civil Defense Department, Malaysia Red Crescent Society (MRCS) and NGOs are mostly
dominated by volunteers. Their involvement in these societies/organizations is very helpful
and beneficial in the sense that they are closer to the public.

4. DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY, POLICY AND PLAN
In order to enhance Malaysia's capability in the future course and direction of our disastermanagement, the country has adopted the following strategies:
1. To integrate mitigation planning into the overall national development plans and projects
for sustainable development.
2. To develop risk assessment capabilities, in order to reduce disaster vulnerability which
can be translated into mitigation policies and measures.
3. To form Working Committees involving Lead Agencies in risk analysis and assessment
for specific sectors of disaster prevention.
4. To develop an integrated database management system for disaster planning andprevention.
5. To strengthen the existing laws and regulations on the aspect of safety, licensing andenforcement for the protection of public safety, properties and the environment indisaster preparedness and prevention.
6. To conduct regular educational and community awareness programs in disasterprevention measures, particularly for risk mitigation strategies.
7. To involve the District and State Disaster Management Committees and authorities inthe development, testing and implementation of the overall emergency response plans,
especially on the Industrial Disaster Management System of the respective industries.
13

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 14
Country Report of MALAYSIA

8. To introduce standard safety control at the installations in order to have zero-threat
during the occurrence of any industrial incident, this could affect the nearby population.
9. To promote and develop regional cooperation and networking for exchanging, sharing
and training on disaster management, as well as cooperation in rendering and receivingof disaster assistance, be it in the form of humanitarian assistance of the dispatch of
search and rescue teams.
Thus, Malaysia also supports the international community in extending humanitarian assistance tocountries affected by disasters especially within the ASEAN region. Besides, Malaysia wasparticipated in the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (4th AMCDRR)
which took place at Incheon, Republic of Korea from 25th to 28th October 2010 with the main theme“Climate Change Adaptation through Disaster Risk Reduction”.

5. BUDGET SIZE ON NATIONAL LEVEL
In order to implement disaster risk reduction plans and activities at all administrative levels, basically
Malaysia has no specific allocation of budget for DRR in National Budget. Nevertheless, disaster risk
reduction efforts are done by respective agencies within the Government’s machinery where they
are experts at.
In the 9th Malaysia Plan from 2006 to 2010, the Government had spent about USD 2 billion or RM 6
billion to deal with multiple hazards with different approaches, including flood mitigation, multihazards monitoring & early warning systems, etc. The Government will continue with relevant efforts
during the 10th Malaysia Plan (2011 – 2015). Approximately, USD 1.7 billion (RM 5 billion) has been
allocated for programs on flood mitigation, forecasting & warning facilities, flood hazard map &development of disaster preparedness & community awareness program.

6. PROGRESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HYOGO FRAMEWORK FOR ACTION (HFA)
Malaysia had submitted its national progress report on the implementation of the HFA on May 05,
2011. The National Security Council of Malaysia is the National Focal Point for the HFA and it
coordinates implementation within the country.
The need for a ‘National Platform’ for disaster management was adopted during the recent Disaster
Awareness Day 2011 and it has been recognized in the Melaka Declaration on Disaster Risk
Reduction held in Malaysia in February 2011. The benefits of establishing a national platform are
manifold and includes; advocating disaster risk reduction at different levels; increasing levels ofknowledge and skills related to disaster risk reduction, acting as a catalyst for national consultants
and consensus building; and coordinating analyzing, and advising on areas that requires concerted
action, among others. Furthermore, the establishment of a national platform would facilitate the effort
of mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into policies, planning, and development programs atvarious levels.
The Government of Malaysia is indeed committed to disaster risk reduction and will continue its
efforts towards implementing the priority areas of the HFA both at national and international levels

14

ADRC Visiting Researcher_FY2011A 15
Country Report of MALAYSIA

and acknowledge the ongoing effort by UNISDR to promote and accelerate the implementation of
the HFA.

7. RECENT MAJOR PROJECTS ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
The establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster
Management (AHA Centre) is stated under Article 20 of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster
Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). Thus, Malaysia had signed the AADMER thatentered into force in 2009.
In order to ensure effective early warning networks and timely response, the ASEAN leaders had toencourage closer cooperation among the military, civilians, and civil society organizations. Pursuant
to the 16th ACDM Meeting (18-19 May 2010), on September 01, 2010, the Malaysian Cabinet has
agreed to appoint Y.B. Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the Chairman of the National Disaster
Management and Relief Committee as a member of the Conference of Parties (COP) for the
AADMER. In supporting the implementation of AADMER, the National Security Council (NSC)
through its Disaster Management Division was also appointed as the National Focal Point (NFP) for
disaster management in the ASEAN, Asian and International levels (beyond Asia).
The 17th ACDM Meeting that was held from 3-25 February 2011 concluded the final draft of theASEAN Agreement on the Establishment of the AHA Centre to be endorsed by respective
Government of the ASEAN Member States. It was also agreed that Member States could provide
additional voluntary financial contribution, such as through the ASEAN DM & Emergency Relief(ADMER) Fund or by providing other forms of contribution such as through secondment of experts to
the AHA Centre. This is to compensate for the deficit in operational budge with the accumulated
annual contribution of USD300, 000.

8. ADRC COUNTERPART(I) Director of Crisis and Disaster Management Unit
National Security Division Prime Minister's Department
Level G, West Wing, Complex A, Prime Minister's Department
62502 Putrajaya, Selangor MALAYSIA(II) Malaysian Meteorological Department (MMD),
Jln. Sultan, 46667 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor, MALAYSIA

15