Potential impact of coastal hazards: Case of Pahang, Malaysia

Abstract

The National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) projected that the annual rainfall will increase up to 10% in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and North West Coast by 2050. In Pahang, almost 40% of the total rainfall occurs during the northeast monsoon season annually. Kuantan is the most crucial area in Pahang which is the capital of this State and very popular as a tourism destination. The present study aims to determine the potential impact of natural hazards in the coastal area of Pahang, Malaysia. Cherok Paloh, Taman Gelora, Pantai Sepat and Sungai Penor are highly vulnerable concerning household income and insurance vulnerability. The flooding of agriculturally-substantial areas causes massive damage, for example forestry, fisheries, animal shelters, fertilisers, stock and storage, agricultural tools and types of machinery. The most crucial and vulnerable location is Cherok Paloh because more people are under M40 and B40 groups in that particular region. The majority of the houses are very close to the sea, which indicates the exposure of the Pahang coastal communities to coastal hazards. The present study can be effective for the entire coast of Malaysia and other coastal regions as well.