HUMANITARIAN LOGISTICS IN DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: A CASE STUDY OF MONSOON RELIEF DISTRIBUTION FOR PULAU REDANG, TERENGGANU

Abstract

Logistical planning is essential to reducing disaster-related suffering. As aid is essential, it must be managed effectively to ensure that the impacted population receives accurate and timely assistance. Every year, from October to March, the Northeast Monsoon brings torrential rainfall to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, notably Terengganu, resulting in catastrophic floods. This situation presents a unique logistical challenge in the island area, where humanitarian supplies must be delivered well before the monsoon season starts since the islands will become inaccessible due to weather and sea conditions. This study explored measures and approaches implemented by the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (DoSW), a government agency responsible for distributing aid to Pulau Redang, Terengganu, in preparation for the monsoon season. A qualitative inquiry methodology using a case study was used to complete this study by conducting interviews with key respondents from DoSW as well as Pulau Redang’s local communities. The results showed that information gathering, pre-positioned supplies, good coordination among logistics agencies and local community involvement are essential strategies to ensure that disaster-affected communities get the supplies they need quickly and efficiently, especially in remote island areas.