The conundrum of disaster management

 

From Sapian M

Disaster management in Malaysia often does not receive the same attention as security threats, which are considered more sensational and engaging.

While disaster management may not seem as 

sexy

 as discussing security threats like terrorism, subversion, religious extremism, or political threats, the methodologies for managing both are fundamentally similar.

They involve processes that span the phases before, during and after an event. Therefore, even though disaster management might not capture as much attention, its importance is on par with security issues.

The question of what exactly constitutes a disaster is both complex and nuanced.

Is a disaster defined by the sheer number of victims it claims, or does the potential for greater harm elevate an incident to disaster status?

Every event, regardless of its initial impact, carries the potential to spiral into a full-blown disaster, depending on how it unfolds and is managed.

For instance, if an incident results in minimal casualties, should it be downgraded to a mere accident or an isolated event, rather than being classified as a disaster?

Or does the potential for escalation, the broader implications, and the level of disruption play a more critical role in this classification?

This ambiguity often leads to reliance on established definitions, such as those outlined in the National Security Council Directive No 20 (MKN 20), which provides a framework for what qualifies as a disaster.

However, the rigid adherence to such definitions can sometimes overlook the fluid and dynamic nature of real-world situations.

A small-scale incident in one context might be deemed a minor issue, yet in another, it could trigger a series of events leading to widespread chaos and significant loss.

Therefore, defining a disaster is not merely about ticking boxes on a checklist; it involves a deep understanding of context, potential risks, and the broader social, economic, and environmental impacts that may arise.

Disaster management in Malaysia

In the event of a disaster, the focus tends to be heavily on the response phase.

Disaster managers are keen to avoid being seen as failing to manage a disaster when it occurs.

However, the real question is where they are in the process of managing the disaster as a whole.

Disaster management in Malaysia is carried out through a 

whole of government

 approach, which does not place the responsibility solely on one agency.

Instead, it involves a committee comprising various agencies with different capacities and capabilities.

What is unique and commendable about this mechanism in Malaysia is that the leadership of this committee is not necessarily held by someone in uniform, but by civilians who have the capacity to unify various government entities, including responders, technical experts, NGOs, and community leaders.

This mechanism is firmly established in MKN 20.

The role of the district officer

At the district level, the district officer (DO) is responsible for determining whether an incident should be classified as a mere incident or a disaster.

The DO must make the right call to manage the situation effectively using the existing capacity at the district level as optimally as possible, avoiding the waste of resources.

In certain situations, money becomes a secondary concern when lives are at stake.

Unfortunately, DOs often struggle to fully understand the magnitude of an incident due to a lack of understanding of the nature of disasters, leading them to rely heavily on advice from the on-scene commander.

Challenges in disaster management

During a disaster, there is usually little concern about the responders’ capacity to manage the event, as they are well-trained and always ready to face any disaster.

However, the critical issue in disaster management often lies in crisis communication – how we communicate the actions being taken to manage the disaster.

Whether the response is ultimately successful or not is secondary.

What stakeholders are most concerned about is how the disaster is being managed, the current status, and what they need to do in response to the ongoing disaster.

Importance of risk and perception management

In disaster management, the focus should not be limited to the physical and logistical responses but must also encompass risk and perception management.

Risk management involves assessing and mitigating potential threats before a disaster occurs, while perception management deals with how information is communicated to the public and stakeholders to ensure calm and maintain trust.

Public awareness and perception can significantly influence how communities respond to disasters, reducing panic and enhancing cooperation during a crisis.

Therefore, these aspects are crucial for ensuring more effective and comprehensive disaster management.

Masjid India – a reflection

The classification of an event as a disaster requires a holistic view that considers not just the immediate effects, but also the longer-term consequences and the capacity of the affected community to recover.

In densely populated urban areas such as Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur, even seemingly minor incidents like a sinkhole can trigger widespread panic and heightened risk consciousness.

A sinkhole in a bustling area is not just a physical disruption; it carries profound implications for public safety, economic stability, and the psychological well-being of the community.

The sudden appearance of a sinkhole can raise immediate fears about the safety of the entire area, leading to a ripple effect of concern that stretches far beyond the incident’s physical boundaries.

In these contexts, disaster management must remain exceptionally flexible, adapting quickly to the unique challenges that such incidents present.

The dense population, coupled with the critical infrastructure in areas like Masjid India, means that any delay or misjudgment in response can have far-reaching consequences.

The goal must always be to prevent the escalation of such incidents, recognising that even a small sinkhole can ignite a larger, uncontrollable blaze of fear and uncertainty.

By addressing both the immediate risks and the longer-term implications, disaster management efforts can help to reassure the public, stabilise the area, and mitigate the potential for further disruption. - FMT

Sapian M is a former government official with extensive experience in disaster management.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.