Communication Technologies and Local Authorities in Flood Disaster Risk Management: Insights from Malaysia

HRMARS - This paper examines the integration of communication technologies in local-level disaster risk management (DRM) in Malaysia, focusing on floods as the country’s most frequent and costly natural hazard. Using a qualitative document analysis approach, the study reviews key policy documents such as NADMA Directive No. 1/2023 and the Public Sector ICT Policy 2021–2025, alongside academic literature and official reports, to explore the application of digital tools across the four phases of the Disaster Risk Management Cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. The findings indicate that technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Internet of Things (IoT), mobile applications and social media platforms have been adopted by local authorities as frontline implementers to support risk monitoring, early warning, community engagement, and inter-agency coordination. However, their implementation remains fragmented due to limited technical capacity, inconsistent digital protocols, and weak integration between federal agencies and local governments. This study contributes a context-specific framework that underscores the importance of standardized ICT protocols, enhanced training for local authority staff, and inclusive community engagement mechanisms. While aligned with international standards such as the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), the framework also addresses institutional and sociocultural barriers unique to Malaysia. The paper provides policy recommendations that emphasize contingency planning, ICT capacity building, and public–private collaboration to strengthen digital disaster governance. The findings offer practical insights for policymakers and most importantly for local authorities as key actors bridging national policy and community-level implementation, while also providing lessons for other ASEAN countries facing similar flood-related risks.