Technology potential in improving disaster response communication: a qualitative study in Malaysia

Malaysia is a flood-prone region covering around 232,001 km of the total land area resulting in floods being the most frequent disaster in the country. Major Flood 2021 highlighted persistent challenges in disaster response, particularly in communication and coordination, despite the country's extensive experience with such events. This study aims to explore communication challenges and the potential of technology to enhance disaster response communication among Malaysian disaster responders. Materials and methods: A qualitative study (In-Depth Interviews - IDI) was used to examine the perspectives of disaster responders in Malaysia regarding disaster communication. Operational and management teams were selected from relevant agencies, adhering to Malaysia's disaster management policy. Employing snowball sampling, 18 respondents were interviewed, addressing topics of current communication tools, challenges, and suggestions for enhancing inter-agency communication during disaster response. Results: Disaster responders in Malaysia utilize various communication tools, including the Government Integrated Radio Network (GIRN), and yet not fully leveraged global technological advancements in disaster response. Consequently, challenges in disaster response communication persist, encompassing both technological and organizational factors. Responders provided valuable recommendations for improvement, emphasizing the need for a unified system, centralization, enhanced GIRN utilization, and continued technology adoption and modernization. Conclusion: This study reveals challenges in disaster communication during the response phases and highlights weaknesses in preparedness, noting their interconnection. It emphasizes the critical role of technology in disaster response communication and the necessity of authoritative support to unlock its potential through strategic investment and policy improvements. A standardized communication system is also recommended for future improvement.

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