Exploring Critical Success Factors for Logistics Operations in Disaster Relief: A 5M Framework–Driven Case Study of Taman Sri Muda

<ns3:p>Background Flooding in rural areas, particularly during the northeast monsoon in Malaysia, is common; however, urban flooding, especially in densely populated areas, is unexpected. The 2021 Taman Sri Muda flood was unusual, due to an eruption of heavy rainfall from a tropical depression and the inadequacy of the drainage infrastructure to manage the water influx, further aggravated by upstream development. This challenge has severe impact on the disaster response specifically humanitarian logistics operations. Since this is the worst after 1995 flood, where the population of this area has been greater after 7 years, this study attempts to explores why the logistics issues were reported as slow and uncoordinated and to explores the critical success factors affecting disaster relief logistics. Methods This study has conducted a semi-structured interview with the Social Welfare Department officers involved directly in the distribution of aid relief during the flood disaster. NVivo software was used to analyse the data thematically. Results Five important factors were found to have an impact on logistics performance during the flood response which is the 5M consist of man (personnel), material (humanitarian aid), mechanism (coordination), machinery (asset) and monetary. To provide an organized explanation of their impact, the findings were later linked with the 5M framework. Conclusions By applying the 5M framework to an actual flood disaster, this study provides new insights which assist Malaysia plan for disaster logistics more effectively.</ns3:p>