Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) Analysis On The Significance Of Collaboration Elements In Oil Spill Preparedness And Response

Abstract Once the oil spills have occurred it has introduced acute effects on the environment, marine life, human life, society, communities, economics, aquatic ecosystems, and shoreline societies. This research analyses the ranking of the significant elements of collaboration that are essential in oil spill preparation and responses. The oil spill statistical incidents reported by the Department of Environment (DOE) from 2014 to 2023 have been analysed. Malaysia has encountered 140 oil spill cases. This research has utilized the questionnaire survey from the Modified Delphi Survey Method which involved the purposive expert respondents from 11 related agencies in Malaysia. The agencies are the Department of Environment (DOE), Marine Department, MMEA, Fishery Department, Meteorology Department, Royal Malaysian Navy, Air Operation Force, PIMMAG, PETRONAS, Fire and Rescue Department, and Marine Park. The data has been examined by Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 26.0 analysis tools such as Frequency, Mean Analysis, Standard Deviation, and Cronbach’s Alpha gathered from 59 expert respondents. The ranking of the significant elements has been examined utilizing the Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM). The results show the top five significant elements are: i) Coordinated decision making at 0.914, ii) Adequate communication among agencies at 0.913, iii) Good response time at 0.912, iv) Good leadership link at 0.908, and v) Large teamwork cooperation at 0.907. Nevertheless, as recommended by the experts the other significant element is efficient budget allocation and suitable equipment which are also essentials to be anticipated.