# Integration of Geoscience Information for Disaster Resilience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
## 4 Discussion
This could be facilitated through the formulation of guidance and active engagement between geoscientists, planners and policy makers as well as other multidisciplinary professionals. The application of geoscience knowledge in any urban area runs beyond a single disciplinary expertise but requires systematic multidisciplinary communication encompassing planners, engineers, geologist, economists and social scientists [28; 42]. There are some limitations in this work, particularly with respect to susceptibility modelling. Areas susceptible to landslides and floods have been delineated. Further work is required to determine the rainfall threshold values that would actually trigger alandslide or flood incident. This would facilitate hazard forecasting, which is not within the scope of the current study. In addition, during a fluvial flood event, high river flow can erode the river bed and increase the risk of bank collapse as well as seawater intrusion in coastal cities [64; 65]. While Kuala Lumpur is located relatively far from the coastline, more research is required to determine areas that are susceptible to the cascading impacts of high river flow in the city. Climate change projection for the region includes more frequent and intense rainfall patterns and extreme events [62]. In this regard, the identification of underground and surface water resources should be considered to manage water stress issues in the city. Furthermore, the impacts of industrial activity should also be considered where geogenic contamination from radon, arsenic and other heavy metals as well as anthropogenic contamination such as hydrocarbons, asbestos and nitrates would be a great concern to the city [66]. Institutional arrangements have to be strengthened in the city to preserve the ground information obtained from development projects. Accurate forecasting systems and mitigation strategies supported by advanced technology in GIS and remote sensing are only reliable when the input data are sufficient and frequently updated. Alongside enhanced data acquisition and management practice, the authorities must invest in capacity building and technology that draws on local geoscience information to enhance early warning and disaster preparedness. Data sharing and management are issues that should also be urgently addressed to ensure valuable scientific information is not lost. A way forward is to encourage the establishment of a local geoscience database through consistent reporting and management in a centralised repository for better geohazard assessment and forecasting in the city. Information on geohazards should be made available and easily understood to non-geoscience specialists, whose professional services would be availed to in the development of a parcel of land. The formulation of planning guidance could be considered targeting non-geoscience specialists with information to support decision making regarding risks, potential technical solutions and relevant expertise. The study has also delineated hazard-specific areas that are useful for conducting targeted community preparedness to build resilience. Efforts should be made to promote seamless data sharing between government agencies and the public so that non-governmental and civil society organisations can develop targeted programmes for community preparedness. This study has provided pathways for a resilient city by delineating areas suitable for development and those that require hazard-specific measures in targeted areas for building resilience. Further work is required for evaluating the effectiveness of the approach. Indeed, evaluating resilience is in itself a distinct research domain. It could cover relatively narrow areas represented by indicators of social vulnerability, hazard exposure and adaptive capacity [3; 8; 11; 12; 13; 14; 15] to broader aspects of economy, organisation, environment and society [1].