Importance of Geographic Information System (GIS) Application to Reduce the Impact of Flood Disasters in Malaysia: A Meta-Analysis

Malaysia can accurately analyse flood patterns and susceptible forecast areas and allocate resources as efficiently as possible by leveraging geographic information systems (GIS). Authorities can execute data-driven plans for robust flood control and quick catastrophe response because of this technology. However, in Malaysia, public authorities adequately apply GIS, researchers often limit the use of GIS applications to study natural disasters, and communities find GIS challenging to learn and adopt. By producing flood risk mapping using GIS applications that make it easy for the communities to understand the situation, the government and communities can implement programs to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. Reviewing the available literature on the use of GIS applications in assessing natural hazards, this study found that GIS applications effectively provide flood risk mapping and positively impact natural disaster management to ensure that the worst impacts of natural hazards can be avoided. Moreover, this study revealed the importance of GIS applications and technologies in managing natural hazards in communities to make them better prepared for disaster management. Based on the scientific research, 12 articles were identified to analyse flood management activities in Malaysia. Therefore, the government and relevant agencies should take advantage of the appropriate use of GIS in managing natural disasters and educate the population about applying GIS so that present and future generations can gain this knowledge earlier and use it better in mitigating disaster risks.