This article first appeared in Forum, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on May 20, 2024 - May 26, 2024
With the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related disaster situations, the Angkatan Pertahanan Awam Malaysia (APM), or Malaysian Civil Defence Force, has seen rising demand for its services in recent years. As climate change worsens, APM is being called upon to respond to a broader range of disasters, including floods, landslides, tropical storms and extreme heat events. These disasters not only endanger public safety but also put a strain on infrastructure, resources and emergency response systems.
By acting as the Secretariat for the Disaster Management Committee at the state and district levels, APM helps Malaysia prepare for future climate-related dangers. APM’s tasks include coordinating disaster response operations, delivering emergency aid to affected areas and raising public awareness about disaster planning and response. The force also works together with other government agencies at all three levels of governance (federal-state-district), non-governmental organisations and foreign partners to increase Malaysia’s disaster risk management systems and improve climate resilience.
Nevertheless, addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. To address these challenges, APM needs to leverage technology and innovation to enhance its disaster response capabilities. The force is required to utilise satellite imagery, geographic information systems (GIS) and other advanced tools to monitor weather patterns, assess disaster impacts and coordinate response efforts in real time. This will help to obtain a comprehensive understanding of climate disaster risks, which is imperative for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.
From grassroots initiatives to national-level assessments, APM needs to employ a multi-tiered approach to identify vulnerabilities and develop tailored strategies that mitigate risks and enhance resilience. In confronting the spectre of climate risk, APM must spearhead a myriad of initiatives aimed at bolstering resilience across Malaysia. These initiatives, from conducting comprehensive climate risk assessments to implementing infrastructure improvements and launching public awareness campaigns, emphasise the importance of proactive measures in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Hence, robust collaboration becomes a fundamental element of successful endeavours to enhance climate resilience and APM actively promotes cross-sector partnerships. Public-private collaborations leverage the knowledge and resources of the private sector in order to strengthen infrastructure and improve the ability to respond to disasters. In a similar vein, academia assumes a critical role in producing groundbreaking solutions to climate-related challenges and scientific understanding, while community engagement guarantees the applicability and durability of adaptation strategies.
Moreover, APM is tasked with not only managing the immediate aftermath of disasters but also with implementing proactive measures to enhance community resilience and preparedness. This includes coordinating evacuation efforts, providing emergency assistance to affected communities and conducting public awareness campaigns on disaster preparedness and response. As climate change continues to pose unprecedented challenges, APM must adapt and evolve its strategies to effectively mitigate the impacts of climate-related disasters and safeguard the well-being of communities across the nation.
First and foremost, members of local communities should be educated about the specific climate risks that their area faces, whether it be floods, storms, heatwaves or wildfires. Understanding these risks enables individuals to develop tailored preparedness plans. One crucial aspect of community preparedness is the establishment of robust communication networks. Communities should be aware of the alerts provided by the MetMalaysia channel through text alerts, social media and local radio and TV stations to disseminate critical information before, during and after a disaster.
Through programmes such as Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM), APM works with local communities to identify risks, develop contingency plans and build resilience at the grassroots level. APM’s mission is to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to face disasters head-on. Its training programmes cover a wide range of safety and civil defence issues. From basic first aid to evacuation procedures, APM ensures that individuals are well-prepared to handle emergencies. The Civil Defence Act 1951 (Act 221) mandates its efforts, emphasising the importance of a proactive approach to disaster readiness. Encouraging individuals to take personal responsibility for their safety, staying informed about weather forecasts, and supporting vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children and those with disabilities are integral parts of community preparedness efforts. By taking these proactive steps, communities can build resilience and adaptability in the face of climate-related disasters, ultimately safeguarding lives and property.
Furthermore, developing and practising evacuation plans is essential, especially for areas prone to flooding or storm surges. Through town watching exercises, the community can identify evacuation routes, designated shelters and assembly points during emergencies. Community members should also self-invest in mitigation measures to reduce the impact of climate-related disasters. This may include reinforcing and elevating structures in flood-prone areas. Prior to evacuation to the shelter, individuals should pack and bring vital items such as identification documents, necessary medical supplies, potable water, mobile phone with a power bank, and other crucial items for their personal needs.
Collaboration and cooperation within the community are vital. Establishing neighbourhood associations or disaster preparedness committees can facilitate collective action and resource sharing. In view of this, APM has created the Civil Defence Emergency Response Team (CDERT) programme where regular drills and exercises are held to help ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities during an emergency. Local community organisations, schools, higher education institutions and various public or private organisations can establish CDERT to raise awareness about disaster preparedness. Members of CDERT are proficient in delivering prompt and efficient responses in the face of crises and disasters and serve as the initial responders in times of emergency. They will provide immediate assistance, contributing to search and rescue efforts while safeguarding the well-being of those impacted. In addition, their training includes the ability to administer first aid, treat injuries and stabilise patients pending the arrival of medical professionals.
CDERT conducts its own training sessions, awareness campaigns and exercises to educate the public about disaster preparedness with the assistance of APM. Through active citizen participation, APM enhances community cohesion and resilience. Thus, CDERT plays a pivotal role in disaster response, bridging the gap between initial emergencies and professional assistance. Its dedication and training contribute significantly to community safety and resilience. In summary, the CDERT programme is aligned with the slogan “from community to the community”.
In conclusion, Malaysia faces a critical moment in its fight against climate change. Therefore, APM has to execute efficient grassroots resilience initiatives and disaster response efforts. However, all sectors of society must work together to address this problem. Malaysia can negotiate climate change and build a more resilient and sustainable future by creating strong relationships, utilising innovation and empowering communities. As Malaysia strives to become a climate-resilient nation, it must remain determined to meet future problems.
Finally, adjusting to climate hazards requires more than reactive measures. Climate-related disasters have an impact on vulnerable people like the poor, aged and crippled, emphasising the need for equitable and inclusive adaptation solutions. Managing these challenges requires proactive measures to reduce vulnerability and boost community resilience. From forging partnerships across sectors to spearheading community-based initiatives, APM embodies a proactive and inclusive approach to disaster management. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges as climate risks evolve and vulnerabilities persist. Nevertheless, by leveraging innovation, collaboration and community empowerment, Malaysia can chart a course towards a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
Lt Col (CD) Mohd Syukri Madnor is a civil defence officer at the Civil Defence Headquarters
This column is part of a series coordinated by Climate Governance Malaysia, the national chapter of the World Economic Forum’s Climate Governance Initiative. The CGI is an effort to support boards of directors in discharging their duty of care as long-term stewards of the companies they oversee, specifically to ensure that climate risks and opportunities are adequately addressed.
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