Achieving SDGs 11: A Review on Neighbourhood Engagement in Local Authorities Towards Disaster Risk Reduction of Highland Developments in Selangor

Abstract

Selangor’s growing population and accelerating economic conditions have resulted in the demand for human settlements. As a result, Selangor development has encroached the highland areas and it was constantly hit with inundated landslide disasters. Landslides are now viewed not only as natural occurrences or as the result of design flaws, but as a greater risk to society that must be managed accordingly. Since then, the issue of neighbourhood engagement in local authorities has increased. There are four issues that affect neighbourhood engagement in local authorities, 1) People in urban areas spend more time in their workplaces, 2) Some of planning and development tools, planning standards, and regulations are not clear, 3) Limited community capacity in decision making, and 4) Government behaviour towards residents in highland areas. Improving neighbourhood engagement in local authorities significantly enhances disaster risk reduction of highland developments in Selangor. Local authority as the service provider plays an important role in this issue, especially when it relates to policy decision-making. The aim of this research is to establish neighbourhood engagement framework in local authorities towards disaster risk reduction of highland developments in Selangor as to achieve SDGs 11. To achieve the aim, this review has two (2) objectives: 1) To investigate factors affecting neighbourhood engagement in local authorities towards disaster risk reduction in highland developments and 2) To suggest strategies to improve the neighbourhood engagement in local authorities towards disaster risk reduction in highland developments. The finding of this desk study suggests that even though neighbourhood engagement is exercised by the Local Authorities during the planning stage of highland development, the practice should be continued until after the occupation of the properties to help reduce the risk of landslides and highland disasters.