Decoding Disaster Education: A Pathway to Effective Risk Reduction

Effective disaster management and blueprints are crucial for any country's resilience and can significantly reduce the negative impact of disasters. This study analyzes the current state of disaster education interventions in Malaysia, illustrating the Quintuple Helix Model, which emphasizes a comprehensive approach to collaboration between government, academia, industry, and civil society. The purpose of this study is to examine the best practices of disaster education systems in developed countries and to propose a disaster education system model for Malaysia. Moreover, the study employed desktop research and qualitative analysis through Focus Group Discussions to gather data on Malaysia's current disaster management system and school-level awareness efforts. The findings revealed that most of the developed countries integrated disaster management courses into their curriculum as early as preschool, which proactively prepared them for any disaster. For instance, around 90% of primary schools in Japan prioritize safety instruction, control of hazards, and disaster preparation programs, such as the “Reconstruction Mapping Program,” which significantly involved all 100% of fourth-grade students. Lastly, the study suggests that Malaysia and other developing countries should incorporate early and comprehensive disaster management education into primary and high school curricular and co-curricular activities to foster awareness and readiness for Disaster risk reduction.