Challenges of Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in Managing Flash Floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia
Abstract
:1. Introduction
1.1. Natural Disaster Scenario in Malaysia
1.2. GIS in Malaysia
2. Study Area
3. Materials and Method
3.1. Data Collection
3.2. Data Analysis
3.3. Data Validation
4. Results and Discussion
4.1. Topics and Comments about Using GIS in Flood Management
4.1.1. Benefits of Using GIS
4.1.2. Barriers to Use
High Costs
Lack of Equipment and Limited Access
4.1.3. Information and Data about GIS
4.1.4. Improvement for Better Use of GIS
4.2. Response According to Modified Sendai Framework, UNDRR 2015
4.3. Discussion
4.3.1. Better Understanding of Using GIS Applications
4.3.2. Strengthen Governance to Use GIS Applications in Flash Flood Disaster Management
4.3.3. Investing in Using GIS Mapping for Flash Flood Disaster Management
4.3.4. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response
4.3.5. Advanced GIS and Flash Flooding
5. Conclusions and Future Research Direction
- Furthermore, it is impossible to overestimate the importance of ongoing research and development in GIS technology. As the field develops, new methods and instruments show up that can improve our capacity to anticipate, mitigate, and react to flash flood situations more skilfully. Therefore, the government should apply GIS knowledge in early education to avoid the excessive use of GIS, especially when managing flash floods. This will allow students to acquire this knowledge early and help establish GIS as a major field nationwide.
- Education is necessary because Malaysia is currently experiencing a shortage of GIS experts, which poses a challenge to management efforts that use GIS technology, especially flash flood control. In addition, extending studies related to GIS to a higher level can also develop knowledge about GIS among the Malaysian population so that residents are more aware and able to take appropriate action if a flash flood disaster occurs.
- The government must improve the quality of flash flood disaster management in a more structured manner and overcome the problems in Shah Alam, Malaysia.
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Conflicts of Interest
References
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Theme | Comment |
---|---|
The benefits of using GIS | Can show the development of the area as well as the existing land use |
Can identify the areas that are at elevated risk of flooding | |
Mapping can show the areas of critical flood victims so that they can act more quickly in those areas. | |
Shows a map of flood areas, high-risk areas, safe areas | |
Helps to manage the flood disaster better | |
Can show the movement of river water flow or sea water | |
Not only is it useful for viewing physical data, but social data can also coordinate the number of patients, flood victims, or residents in an area. | |
Barriers to using GIS | Costs The cost is very high if you need all the GIS equipment to produce maps. |
Need to always update the software and system | |
Need for a high-spec computer | |
The equipment needs to be placed in many designated areas and zones. | |
All software and computers must be upgraded to use the GIS fully. Lack of equipment The public only receives information through WhatsApp. A limited number of employees apply GIS for risk and disaster management. We do not use mapping at the village level. GIS requires a computer, PC, and high-spec and sophisticated software to run the application Limited access In Malaysia, not all agencies use GIS. The general public cannot always access GIS. The JPS produces flood mapping but is not accessible to the general public. It is only for use at the federal government level. Only the ICT department holds and performs this mapping work. The MBSA has limitations for accessing the data themselves and the GIS map itself. The MBJA has opened GIS to the public. Technical agencies manage the use of GIS. | |
Information and data about GIS | The NADMA, JPS, and PBT may have social media such as Instagram, Twitter, websites, and so on that allow anyone to access the information and mapping. |
From an academic point of view, they can also enter the library or search for related information. | |
Many journals, articles, and projects have been conducted by the UITM using GIS, especially in the case of natural disasters. | |
You can access the information through the agency’s website, such as the JPS. They have a website to see each area’s water flow, rainfall, water level, and temperature. | |
Residents only receive all the information through WhatsApp and news. | |
The LUAS also has a system that uses GIS where they can see the movement of river water flow or sea water. | |
Module and mapping called “town watching mapping” | |
The government will only give me information on which areas are safe and which areas are dangerous so that we can prepare before the flood occurs. | |
Infomania is open to the public; anyone can access the website. | |
The community can see the water flow mapping through the LISS website. | |
Improvements needed | Spread mapping to the population through social media such as WhatsApp and websites |
Create an early warning system in each area | |
Prepare a module and mapping called “town watching mapping” | |
Show critical and non-critical areas of flooding according to the levels | |
Social and environmental aspects, including the economy, can be improved. | |
The government, NGOs, and communities should also be responsible for implementing the management of this flood disaster | |
From an academic point of view, they can also enter the library or search for related information. | |
Many journals, articles, and projects have been conducted by the UiTM using GIS, especially in the case of natural disasters. | |
Access through the website of the agency itself, such as the JPS; they have their website for us to see water flow, rainfall, water level, and temperature in each area | |
Residents only receive all the information through WhatsApp and news. | |
The LUAS also has a system that uses GIS where they can see the movement of river water flow or sea water. | |
The government will only inform me which areas are safe and dangerous for us to prepare before the flood occurs. | |
Infomania is open to the public; anyone can access the website. | |
The community can see the water flow mapping through the LISS website. |
Topic | Theme | Validated Solution |
---|---|---|
Information about GIS | Better understanding of using GIS applications | Identify how to use GIS more accurately |
Ensure that data and information are easily accessible to all sectors | ||
Encourage the use of GIS in flash flood disasters | ||
Benefits of using GIS | Strengthen governance to use GIS applications in flash flood disaster management | Make arguments to the government about the use of GIS |
Inform about the collaboration between agencies | ||
Limited access | Define the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies, NGOs, and communities involved in flash flood management | |
Excessive cost | Investing in using GIS mapping for flash flood disaster management | Providing technical assistance to organisations can optimise the value of GIS investments. |
Improve the necessary equipment for the use of GIS | ||
Lack of equipment | Determine the cost and resources required to implement GIS mapping | |
Improvement for the better use of GIS | Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction | Recommend GIS training for all sectorsCreate an early warning system in each area |
Expand GIS knowledge among the general public appropriate to the educational level | ||
Expand GIS knowledge among the general public, especially at the educational level |
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Leeonis, A.N.; Ahmed, M.F.; Mokhtar, M.B.; Lim, C.K.; Halder, B. Challenges of Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in Managing Flash Floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Sustainability 2024, 16, 7528. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177528
Leeonis AN, Ahmed MF, Mokhtar MB, Lim CK, Halder B. Challenges of Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in Managing Flash Floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Sustainability. 2024; 16(17):7528. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177528
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeeonis, Adam Narashman, Minhaz Farid Ahmed, Mazlin Bin Mokhtar, Chen Kim Lim, and Bijay Halder. 2024. "Challenges of Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in Managing Flash Floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia" Sustainability 16, no. 17: 7528. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177528