Factors affecting the implementation of flood resilient housing design in Malaysia

Abstract

Among all the natural disasters, flooding account for most of its losses in Malaysia. Increased frequency and severity of floods threaten residential properties: which is expected to safeguard people during natural disasters. Recent flood disasters have highlighted a higher risk to housing, recording the second most property damage. Thus, it is imperative to incorporate flood-resilient housing design in Malaysia. However, there are challenges concerning building flood-resilient housing, which are a complex process encompassing policy, regulations, funding, coordination and others. Moreover, what needs to be added, yet, is a comprehensive study to identify and evaluate the complex set of implementation challenges in creating flood-resilient housing. This research identifies the implementation challenges the societies must address for developing and aligning strategies for flood-resilient housing design in Malaysia. Qualitative approach is adopted by analyzing the perspectives of experts, including authorities, academics, and professionals, with semi-structured interviews. Officials from PLANMalaysia and DID (Department of Irrigation and Drainage) were interviewed to comprehend the fundamental issues. The study explores various methods of data collection strategies used in qualitative research: expert interview and observation. Additionally, case studies have been conducted in Malaysia by selecting designs to identify the architectural components that are considered as flood-resilient. Finally, comparing Malaysia's building codes and regulations and guidelines with those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia highlights the effectiveness of flood resilience. The findings revealed a lack of regulatory frameworks; specifically, a lack of integrated flood plans; limited knowledge of built professionals; requirement of greater engagement from responsible authorities; availability of materials; insufficient guidelines; limited funding; requirement of competent human resources; and occurrence of inequitable activities as significant challenges for creating flood resilient housing in Malaysia. The study proposes recommendations to determine these leading concerns and catalyze the creation of flood-resilient housing in Malaysia.