The Rationale for Collaborative Approach with Military Involvement to Strengthen Urban Disaster Management Strategy: A Case Study of Malaysia

Abstract

This article discusses the rationale for a collaborative approach involving military involvement to strengthen Malaysia's urban disaster management strategy. The article highlights the limitations of the existing approach in effectively responding to urban disasters through analysis of available resources. This research found that a collaborative approach with military involvement can offer several advantages, including improved communication and coordination, increased resources and expertise, and enhanced capacity building. However, a few challenges and concerns must be addressed, especially regarding civil liberties. This study underscores the importance of managing and integrating the military's involvement with civilian authorities transparently and responsibly and reviewing the policies governing civil-military coordination in the country's disaster legislation. The article provides a case study of the implementation of this approach during the 2021 floods in Malaysia to discourse on the lesson learnt from the catastrophic event. Overall, the article concludes that a collaborative approach involving military involvement is essential for improving Malaysia's urban disaster management strategy and ensuring effective disaster response and recovery. Ultimately, this research aims to inspire further research and discussion on this topic and contribute to developing more effective disaster management strategies.