Urban environmental hazards : a case study of flood hazards in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The urbanisation process in Malaysia is growing rapidly as in most of the developing countries in the world. Urbanisation is the key engine that generates economic and social advancement: therefore efficient and productive cities or towns are necessary for national economic growth and welfare. The on-going rapid urbanisation process in Malaysia, however, has exacerbated processes of environmental degradation and has contributed to problems of flooding. This study discusses the contemporary academic debates in the fields of social vulnerability, social capital and adaptation, and hazard management with a focus on flood risk management in low-income settlements in Kuala Lumpur. These are some of the key issues for the city as the management of urban environment in Malaysia must be able to guarantee not only good development and planning practice but also needs to ensure that the necessary precautions and disaster strategies are in place for any eventualities. The study attempts to highlight the affected communities’ vulnerability to environmental hazards, flood risk communication and management, all of which represent critical urban management issues in the rapidly expanding city. Respondents participating in this study include several low-income squatter communities in Kuala Lumpur, officials from government agencies involved in flood risk management as well as community leaders and politicians. The study examines how the affected communities understand their vulnerability and their responses, and investigates the strategies adopted by the government agencies in addressing flood issues and in dealing with the victims of the recurring floodings.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo