Flood disaster management in Malaysia : a case study of Pekan town Pahang Malaysia

Abstract

Flood is the most significant natural disaster in Malaysia in terms of population affected, frequency of occurrences, area extent, flood duration and social-economic damage. It has been estimated that about 29,720 km2 or 9 % of the total land area of Malaysia is prone to flooding, affecting some 4.9 million people or 21 % of the population. The basic cause of flood in Malaysia is the incidence of heavy monsoon or convective rainfall and the resultant large concentration of runoff which has been exacerbated due to rapid development in the river catchment and deteriorated river capacity. As a result both the frequency and magnitude of flooding have increased in Malaysia in recent decades. With 68% of the Malaysian population now residing in urban areas, flash flooding in urban areas are perceived to be the most critical flood type surpassing the monsoon flood since the mid-l 990s. Pekan town serves as the economic and administrative capital for the Pekan district, in the state of Pahang, Peninsular Malaysia. The town is located on the banks of the Pahang River and it always suffers both economic damages and physical destruction caused by floods. The population of the town is on the increase due to the concentration of economic activities and social facilities. This requires the state government and the local authorities to construct more roads, which also increases the solid surface. Once there is heavy rainfall, it becomes difficult for surface run-off to be contained into the narrow drains. The water then enters into shops and homes which are mostly with very low foundation sometimes just under the height level of the road. The poor land use and sitting structure of the houses in the town centre is a factor responsible for water to penetrate through. Elevated structures prove that it can be a good strategy for the management of flood waters. This study has identified two major causes of flood in Pekan town and its surrounding areas. These are - the overflow of the Sungai Pahang (which runs from Cameron highlands and empties through Pekan town into the South China Sea), and the high tide through increase in sea level that affects coastal communities. The first factor can be termed as a regional factor due to the river course running into Pekan town. The second factor is the rapid rate of development which is not adequately monitored with poor land use policies development at the Pekan town and its surrounding areas. This later contributes to increase in run offs as rivers overflow their banks damaging properties and displace hundreds of people. This has in tum increased the flood frequency and its magnitude over the past 30-40 years. The 2007 floods recorded only one death but millions worth of damages. Recently, in January 2012, Pekan town and its surrounding areas suffered a flood disaster which affected more than 500 victims. In Kampung Cenderawasih alone, 260 victims from 70 families were affected, (New straight times News paper).