Challenges of Using a Geographic Information System (GIS) in Managing Flash Floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Abstract

A geographic information system (GIS) is a tool and technology capable of addressing the effects and challenges of natural disasters, particularly flash floods. GIS applications are used to generate flood risk maps to tackle flood issues. However, various challenges and problems arise when employing GIS to manage flash flood disasters in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Hence, this study aims to identify these challenges and gaps in GIS utilisation by Malaysian agencies for flash flood management in Shah Alam. Using the quadruple helix model technique, informal interviews were conducted as part of the study’s qualitative methodology. Five respondents were chosen from each of the four main sectors for primary data collection: government, academia, business, and community/NGO. The data were analysed using Taguette qualitative theme analysis. The findings reveal that the primary challenges lie in government management, particularly in providing equipment and access to GIS for all stakeholders, including the public. This challenge is attributed to the high costs and complexity associated with GIS data usage, limiting accessibility. Furthermore, there is a lack of expertise and research on GIS in Malaysian universities concerning flash flood management. The government should take proactive steps to improve flash flood management in Shah Alam, Malaysia, in order to solve these issues. Specifically, GIS training should be given to stakeholders, particularly those in the government and academic sectors, in order to develop GIS specialists who will be necessary for efficient flood management in Malaysia.

1. Introduction

The UNSDR describes a natural catastrophe as “a natural process or phenomenon that may cause property damage, loss of livelihoods and services, social and economic disruption, or environmental damage in addition to death, injury, or other health impacts” [1]. Researchers analyse the speed, area of impact, magnitude, and duration of natural hazards to study them [2]. While some natural disasters, like earthquakes, happen quickly and affect limited areas, other extreme climatic conditions, like droughts, take a long time to develop and affect larger areas. Moreover, certain natural disasters have a specific geographic and temporal distribution, like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, which frequently happen on the ocean floor or along tectonic plates [3].

Biological disasters are related to food containing bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, prions, or other contaminants that can seriously harm human and animal health. Crop losses and significant economic issues might come from contamination with the above microorganisms during crop growth, harvesting, storage, transit, post-processing, or distribution. Another type of biological disaster is the spread of viruses. For example, at the beginning of 2020, the COVID-19 virus entered Malaysia suddenly, causing many residents to be infected with the virus, becoming the leading cause of death in Malaysia in 2021 with 157,251 deaths (https://www.dosm.gov.my/, accessed on 17 May 2024).

One of nature’s most destructive risks is flash flooding, which happens in catchments (regions) when the drainage basin reacts quickly. For an area to manage flash floods effectively, it is critical to identify potential flash flood sites and create precise flash flood susceptibility maps [4]. Urbanisation is a significant contributing factor to the frequency of flash floods in urban areas. When roads and buildings are built, permeable regions are decreased, and sealed surfaces, or impermeable areas, are increased. This results in less infiltration and higher runoff with the same amount of rainfall, which can lead to pluvial flash floods [5]. This means that to create appropriate models for the effective planning, management, and mitigation of flash flood occurrences in a region, flash flood-prone areas within a basin must be precisely identified and mapped while taking into account the relevant elements [6]. The effects of topographical changes on flood characteristics are relatively subtle. The largest danger of flooding occurs in low-lying regions near rivers and streams. But hillside locations are equally susceptible to flash floods. Details regarding the Earth’s elevation are contained in the digital elevation model (DEM), which serves as a surface indicator. In assessing risk, estimating deaths and calculating financial losses based on the land record, flood depth, and velocity are the most crucial factors [7]. Both human life and infrastructure, including streets, cities, and railroads, are seriously threatened by flash floods. Floods can introduce viruses into urban surroundings, leading to microbial development and infections because of the massive economic costs associated with such disasters. Flooding injures or kills people; thus, it is best to stop it from happening to make up for the casualties [8]. Aside from their direct and indirect repercussions, natural disasters have both tangible and intangible components. In the first dimension, the impact elements are classified based on the time of loss occurrence, the point at which the hazard makes contact with the damaged or lost items, and the location of the loss (i.e., inside the disaster region or not) [9]. The other component is the tangible vs. intangible dimension, where the ability to price and monetise an effect aspect depends on its tangibility, which is assessed based on its marketability. There are two categories for the direct and indirect impacts: tangible and immaterial, and vice versa [10].

Hydrological disasters encompass extreme situations, actions, and water distributions, including floods and droughts. Hydrological disasters typically result from a confluence of physical processes that interact and compound over various spatial and temporal scales. A natural calamity that occurs constantly worldwide is flooding [11]. Flooding can be interpreted as the coverage and condition of water that inundates an area normally in a dry state [12]. Floods can occur in flat and low-lying areas when the water level of rivers or seas is high, continuous heavy rains occur, the ice at the Arctic Pole melts, and monsoon winds occur every year [12]. When there is a flood, the soil becomes saturated with water, preventing water infiltration. Flash flood-related information is established based on the Scopus datasets. In Malaysia, disaster risk reduction, mainly in flood-related issues, is more essential. To determine the most relevant concerns and Malaysian context for research connected to flash floods, relevant literature is gathered using the Scopus databases, and applicable author keywords are produced within those works (Figure 1).

There is also a type of flood known as a “flash flood”, which inundates flat areas due to excess river and sea levels and occurs quickly [13]. These flash floods usually happen because of human activities such as industry, transport, the management of irregular drainage systems, logging in river catchment areas, etc. Flash floods can also occur when heavy rain continues for an extended period, approximately two to three days of non-stop rain [14]. For example, on 26 February 2006, Shah Alam, Selangor, experienced a flood caused by heavy rain over a short period, causing flooding [15].

Meteorological disasters cause severe damage to manmade infrastructures, producing significant losses of lives and adversely affecting the opportunities for socio-economic development in any country. Meteorological hazards encompass extreme temperatures, heat waves, cold spells, hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, and severe storms [16].

Against this backdrop, GIS can play a critical role in disaster management by providing valuable information. Before a disaster, GIS can allow for hazard mapping, evacuation planning and route optimisation, and situational awareness. During a catastrophe, GIS helps spread information and assists in recovery, resource management, and damage assessment [17].

Though many GIS software programs are static and inadequate in their ability to fully consider outdated cartographic guidelines, evidence announcement standards, and aesthetics, GIS techniques vastly outperform static maps because they can distinguish geospatial datasets from graphical demonstrations, incorporate spatial area-based analytics through a comprehensive submission, accommodate the general public’s navigation needs, and tolerate the acquisition of geospatial datasets that dynamically combine layers of raster vector and images [18,19]. GIS offers a suitable and trustworthy option for flood mitigation. Once a flood area has been identified on a numerical map, GIS provides access points at various locations. GIS can specify the precise locations of hazard regions, emergency and resilience partners, medical facilities, police stations, and defence offices. GIS is analytically capable of managing data to identify susceptible areas, drainage and sewage systems, urban infrastructure, and power plant operations, giving helicopters and planes a precise location to land in an emergency.

Geographic analysis is performed using Web Crawler engine techniques [20]. These engines are used as Google APIs, allowing web-based geospatial users to crawl and search for geographical locations and information. Thanks to this GIS service, which enables frequent updates to web services, users can access and view the data.

Remote sensing (RS) imaging is an effective land-use mapping technique that creates a combined map in flood emergencies. The remote sensing methodology offers an acceptable strategy for land-use mapping [21]. This methodology yields precise results, monitors activity in daytime and night-time density zones, and analyses the distribution of workers and residents within the danger area. These maps are progressively becoming reliable sources of the essential information required for flood crisis and the mitigation of flood damage given the speed at which technology is developing and the significance of human safety and security. Columbia, Texas, mid-eastern Dhaka, and many other flood zones have effectively used GIS and Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC-RAS) models to obtain maps of flood threats to rivers [22]. South Asia also uses the HEC-RAS models to decrease flood risk and implement flood zoning.

GIS-oriented applications have easy access to high- and moderate-resolution geospatial datasets, and the development of computer hardware systems has led to the creation of spatial and analytical statistics for measurable geography.

1.1. Natural Disaster Scenario in Malaysia

Flooding is the most common catastrophic event. It might be produced in coastal locations by a tempest flood from a typhoon or torrent, high precipitation, or quick snowmelt. Across the world, floods impact many individuals. As a result of climate change, extreme weather events like floods are predicted to happen more frequently and with higher intensity [23,24]. Indeed, the frequency and intensity of flood disasters have increased due to environmental change; from 2000 to 2009, they nearly doubled compared to the previous ten years [25].

According to the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) [26], floods affect as many as 250 million people worldwide yearly. Over 5000 setbacks worldwide were caused by floods in 2019 [27]. Moreover, 2019 saw around 4500 deaths worldwide and USD 45.9 billion in financial losses due to floods. Numerous factors, including heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, collapsed dams, urban drainage basins, storm surges, tsunamis, canals with steep sides, melting snow and ice, and many more, can result in flood disasters affecting many countries. Consistent heavy rainfall, sudden events, unplanned urbanisation, a failing drainage system, and ecological degradation are the leading causes of floods [28].

Malaysia is among the countries that experience natural disasters yearly. Landslides, drought conditions, intense rains, and floods are examples of these natural disasters [29,30]. According to studies, Malaysia’s atmosphere experiences an average precipitation of 2500 mm (98 inches), with 3000 mm in Sabah and 3500 mm in Sarawak annually. This heavy rainfall means flood measurement records are common in Malaysia [31]. The assessed area vulnerable to a flood disaster, according to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (2016), was around 29,800 km², or 9% of the entire Malaysian region, and it affected 4.82 million people or almost 22% of the nation’s total population [32].

Flooding is frequent in Malaysia, especially in states on the east coast, such as Terengganu and Kelantan, and a flood event may disrupt the entire country’s socio-economic situation [33]. For instance, a prolonged flood disaster in the Klang Valley would adversely affect the country’s economy because Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are among the most significant contributors to the gross domestic product [34]. Floods can disrupt residents’ comfort levels and living standards, making them unable to conduct their daily activities as usual. Therefore, researchers and government bodies should take steps to prepare to overcome and prevent this problem from happening in the future. One way is to use GIS systems, an issue this research addresses.

1.2. GIS in Malaysia

GIS is a system for capturing, storing, examining, integrating, manipulating, analysing, and displaying data related to space that is guided by the Earth [35]. Managing a GIS platform includes several elements, including users, data, methodologies, software, hardware, and software. A user gathers data from the Earth’s surface and transmits it digitally to provide information before an analysis is performed. Hardware and software are coupled to form an entire system [36]. GIS methods can be divided into spatial data input, management attribute data, data exploration, data analysis, and data display and output. Spatial data from the Earth’s surface are entered into the computer as “softcopy”, or digital data; when there is a change, for example, in land use in certain areas, GIS can explore and manage the data until it is updated. Then, the data can be used to analyse and generate new information.

One of the most efficient methods is to use GIS applications in flood management. GIS applications provide many benefits and advantages. For instance, GIS can produce a map that determines flood-prone areas so that residents and the government can take early action before the flood disaster occurs. For example, the United States uses the Hazus M-H Flood Model in its flood management [37]. The Hazus program maintains models for estimating the risk of damage from earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and tsunamis. Each Hazus model uses inventory information (buildings, infrastructure, and population), hazard extent and intensity data, and damage functions to estimate the impacts of disasters (https://www.fema.gov/, accessed on 15 May 2024).

In Malaysia, several agencies are responsible for determining the GIS data usage, including the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia (JUPEM), the Selangor Water Management Authority (LUAS), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA). GIS applications are used in various management activities. The JPS GIS application is typically used to obtain temperature and rainfall distribution data. The JUPEM obtains gradient data on land use and land cover in all areas of Malaysia. The LUAS also obtains flow data and river water depth throughout Selangor only. Other agencies will usually request data from the JPS to produce GIS mapping because the JPS has the necessary data throughout Malaysia.

Some agencies do not use GIS but collaborate with others to obtain data, information, and mapping to manage natural disasters. For example, municipal councils, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, the police, APM, and the Malaysia Civil Defence Force (JPAM) are among the implementing agencies in the management of natural disasters and receive help with information and related data from other parties such as JPS. Therefore, inter-agency collaboration in Malaysia is necessary for effective disaster management, especially for flood events.

This collaboration is necessary because flash floods now occur often, especially in low-lying areas. Shah Alam, Malaysia, is an area that has become a hotspot for flooding. As a result, the city council and district officials are tasked with taking further action if there is a flood around Shah Alam. The municipal councils responsible for overseeing these incidents are the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) and the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ). Both agencies have a GIS platform to manage disasters, but only the MPSJ will open their system for the public to see and use, while in the MBSA, only the upper management can access the data on the GIS platform.

Although Malaysia has used GIS in managing natural disasters, agencies face shortcomings and challenges in performing their duties when using GIS applications. In Malaysia, GIS is extensively used for disaster management, particularly in handling flash floods. However, the country has a shortage of experts and research on GIS [38]. Consequently, the public and the government in Shah Alam, Malaysia, have not fully embraced GIS for managing flash floods. This deficiency has led to ineffective flash flood management and recurring disasters, negatively impacting Shah Alam’s residents.

2. Study Area

The study area chosen for this study is Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Shah Alam is a city and the capital of Selangor, Malaysia, located within the Petaling District and a small part of the neighbouring Klang District. Shah Alam replaced Kuala Lumpur as the capital of Selangor State in 1978 because Kuala Lumpur was included in the Federal Territory in 1974. Shah Alam was the first planned city in Malaysia after independence from Britain in 1957 (https://www.mbsa.gov.my/ms-my/Halaman/homepage.aspx, accessed on 14 May 2024). The coordinates of Shah Alam, Malaysia are 3.0733° N, 101.5185° E, and it is located in the Petaling District and part of the Klang District in Selangor State with an area of 290.3 km². The population in Shah Alam, Malaysia, was estimated at 438,000 in 2024 (https://www.dosm.gov.my/portal-main/release-content/mycensus-2020-population-well-being-social-relations, accessed on 15 May 2024). This area, which has undergone rapid urbanisation, borders the cities of Subang Jaya and Petaling Jaya in the east, the Klang District in the west, the Kuala Selangor and Selayang Districts in the north, and the Kuala Langat District in the south. Shah Alam is one of the main cities in the Klang Valley, an area in Malaysia that consists of the city of Kuala Lumpur and its suburbs. The Klang River flows through Shah Alam on its way to the west towards the Malacca Strait. The Klang Valley’s topography is mostly flat except in the northern part of the city, which features high and prominent hills (Figure 2).

Winds from the South China Sea (North-Eastern Monsoon, November to March) and the Indian Ocean (Southwest Monsoon, May to September) usually impact Malaysia’s climate. During this time, it receives 80% of its yearly precipitation in the range of 2000 to 2500 mm (https://www.malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/144, accessed on 18 May 2024).

In short, Shah Alam is a strategic area full of economic activities that widely occur daily, such as industry, transportation, construction, and tourism. Shah Alam has become a centre of attraction for tourists from inside and outside the country because it has various public facilities. One objective is for Shah Alam to achieve sustainable development while becoming one of the country’s most developed areas (Figure 3).

Floods often occur in the Shah Alam area. For example, a severe flash flood occurred in 2021 that claimed almost 50 lives, and five more individuals were reported missing. The total number of deaths was the largest recorded in Malaysia’s history of flood disasters. The unusual occurrence of a flash flood and the water levels rising in some areas rarely experiencing this disaster caused residents not to have enough time to evacuate and save themselves. Hydraulic engineer Nik Abdullah Muaz Nik Mohd Kamel noted that the Klang River is the main river that passes through the state capital area, with several tributaries, such as the Damansara River, flowing in the Damansara Mukim. When the rainfall is high, the water level increases, and the flow of river water also increases, causing flooding in Shah Alam because the water levels in the river exceed flood-stage limits. The low-lying areas in Shah Alam typically flood, especially in Section 13, Taman Sri Muda. This issue is exacerbated because construction and housing fill the area, which decreases the water absorption rate.

Small catchments encounter flash floods because the drainage basin reacts quickly to heavy rains. A flash flood may result in tremendous damage because of its sudden rising and flowing waters [13]. These flash floods have a terrible effect on society in terms of daily life; for example, when a flash flood occurs, movement and economic activities are disrupted. Losses and damages burden residents as they rebuild from flash floods. Residents have complained to the government about flash floods, but the issue of flash floods has not been resolved. One problem is the small budget allocation of RM15 million to rehabilitate damaged flood prevention measures like earthen walls.

3. Materials and Method

3.1. Data Collection

This study used primary and secondary data to identify the challenges associated with flood management in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The primary data were collected through informal interviews with twenty informants from October to November 2023 using a qualitative methodology, adhering to the stakeholders’ quadruple helix model. Primary data were collected from five respondents from four main sectors: the government, academic, business, and community/NGO sectors. The interview information was recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. The second round of interviews with the same twenty respondents was conducted from February to March 2024 to validate the thematic analysis based on the first round of interview information.

Participants from several reputable authorities took part, including the District Council, the Malaysia Civil Defence Force, PANTAS MBSA, LUAS, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) Selangor, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Sustainability (NRES). They were chosen because they are the agencies responsible for managing natural disasters, especially flash floods, in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Lecturers from different universities, such as the University of Malaya (UM), MARA University of Technology (UITM), University of Putra Malaysia (UPM), and The National University of Malaysia (UKM) also participated. They were selected based on their expertise in the use of GIS and flood disaster management according to their articles and studies in the study area (Figure 4). Business and community participants were selected based on their experience in dealing with flash floods.

Ethics approval for this study was granted through UKM PPI/111/8/JEP-2023-011. A thorough review of books, journals, research papers, and government reports was used to collect secondary data.

3.2. Data Analysis

Data analysis is the process of gathering, modelling, and evaluating information using statistical and logical methodologies and procedures [39]. The data were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis. This data analysis is modified from UNDRR based on themes found to understand disaster risk, improve disaster risk governance, invest in disaster risk reduction and preparedness, enable early warning, and build back better in the aftermath of a disaster [2]. This method facilitates theorising several examples and finding shared patterns among research subjects. Researchers can derive meaningful and evidence-based conclusions from their findings using this method.

The interview data were analysed, classified, and suitably coded to determine the relevant themes for further discussion. The tool that the research used for data analysis was Taguette, which has been in use since March 2019. Taguette is a free and open-source qualitative research tool with basic code and retrieval functionality for text data. The version for this tool was Taguette 1.4.1-40-gfea8597, released under a BSD-3-Clause license [40]. Using this tool, one can evaluate and analyse data by uploading a collection of documents, creating a hierarchy of tags, and annotating portions of documents with tags and notes that can be recalled and organised later according to the theme and topic. This software permits more frequent and rapid data analysis, resulting in research outcomes that fulfil the study’s objectives. Others have used this tool [41].

This research focuses on the benefits of using GIS, barriers to use, information about GIS, and ways to improve its use.

3.3. Data Validation

Determining if a specific data set is appropriate for a particular purpose is known as data validation. Formalising the requirements that guide this decision-making process makes it possible to communicate the criteria, automate the process, and create new avenues for process maintenance and research. Researchers contacted all 20 interview participants and then contacted them again for member-checking and to obtain their feedback on the results.

4. Results and Discussion

4.1. Topics and Comments about Using GIS in Flood Management

The participants indicated numerous benefits and barriers to using GIS applications in flood management and provided suggestions for improving the system in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Table 1. Benefits and barriers to using GIS in flood management.

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.

summarises the responses of participants concerning these themes.

4.1.1. Benefits of Using GIS

The comments in Table 1 were divided according to related topics, using the comments and opinions received during the interviews of the 20 participants regarding the use of GIS in disaster management in Malaysia. When a flood disaster occurs in the Shah Alam area, the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA), LUAS, JPS, and several other security forces are tasked with rescuing flood victims and managing the disaster. In this instance, government agencies and academics manage a flood disaster behind the scenes. They conduct research and provide scientific opinions to the government to manage the flash flood problem.

For this topic, interviewees commented on the advantages of this GIS application, which include that GIS can show the development of the area and the existing land use. NGOs are also involved in this matter, and interviewees stated that GIS can produce excellent and helpful mapping, especially for the residents, because they can identify the areas at elevated risk of flooding. Mapping can show the areas of critical flood victims so that they can act more quickly in those areas. A participant from an environmental NGO commented that GIS was useful for viewing physical data. At the same time, social data could also be considered an example of coordinating how many patients, flood victims, or residents are in an area. Residents in the study area said that everyone can prepare before a disaster occurs by just looking at the maps, which helps to manage the flood disaster better. These comments demonstrate many advantages of using a GIS application to produce maps for flash flood disaster management in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

4.1.2. Barriers to Use

High Costs

The next topic focuses on the obstacles and challenges in using GIS applications in flash flood disaster management, one of which is high costs. A lecturer from UKM said that the cost was very high if you needed all the equipment to conduct mapping using GIS applications. This equipment included software and equipment for running GIS and highly specialised people. The software and system also need to be updated constantly because of viruses and hackers who try to take over the data and the system used. An interviewee from the MBSA said several pieces of equipment needed to be placed in all the designated areas and zones. Several different GIS formats were required, leading to high costs to acquire each format used in GIS mapping. Therefore, high costs are an obstacle to using GIS applications in Malaysia.

Lack of Equipment and Limited Access

The next topic addressed the challenges many government agencies face in Malaysia when using GIS applications: the lack of equipment. Government agencies have commented that in Malaysia, not all agencies can use GIS. If GIS is required, only technical agencies, such as the JPS, JUPEM, Met Malaysia, and LUAS, will manage to obtain the necessary mapping data. GIS is high spec, requiring a computer, PC, and sophisticated software to run an application like the JPS. In this instance, the lack of equipment becomes an obstacle to using a GIS application. Public members, such as village heads, cannot use the technology and only receive information through WhatsApp because mapping is not used at the village level.

Besides the lack of equipment, limited access is also one of the challenges of using GIS during flash flood disaster management in Shah Alam. GIS applications are very advanced and sophisticated technology that everyone cannot master. Not all parties can access government websites, and only certain people can access the data, including the government and researchers who use the data for specific reasons. For example, the JPS headquarters produces flood hazard mapping, but the public cannot access it, and it is only for use at the federal government level [42]. The MBSA has limitations on accessing the data and the GIS map itself, but the MBSJ, which has opened GIS access to the public, does not. Therefore, not all parties can access and use GIS data and information, especially the public, who have less access to the information and rely on the government to manage natural disasters such as flash floods in their residential areas.

4.1.3. Information and Data about GIS

The next topic is information about GIS. This topic is based on information and data about GIS that make it easy for government agencies and the public to access GIS data and mapping in their residential areas. Among the critical information sources that government agencies have recommended are the NADMA, JPS, and PBT, as well as social media such as Instagram and Twitter, as well as websites that allow anyone to access the information and mapping. Data and information can also be accessed through the JPS’s website, which shows the water flow, rainfall, water level, and temperature in each area. There are also confidential data from the JPS that the public cannot access. However, they can also apply for annual flood records and rain data from the meteorological department to be used in conducting studies and research. The LUAS also has a system that uses GIS where the movement of river water flow or seashore water can be seen. This system is also open to the community, and they can see the water flow mapping. These statements are primarily from government agencies that provide data and information about GIS mapping; there is also an application and website called “InfoBanjir”, which is open to the public to obtain the latest information about floods.

From an academic point of view, community members can also enter the library or search for related information. One lecturer from the UiTM, Shah Alam, said that the UiTM has produced many journals, articles, and projects using GIS, especially for natural disasters. Other methods that residents of the area can use are social media, including existing platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. They only receive information through WhatsApp from the authorities to the village head to spread the information throughout the village if there is essential information related to flash floods. With this information, the government and the public can access data about mapping and flood issues earlier to prepare before facing flash floods.

4.1.4. Improvement for Better Use of GIS

There were also comments on improving the quality of flash flood disaster management in Shah Alam. Participants felt that government, NGOs, and communities should be responsible for implementing flood disaster management and producing a map of every street and area in the village so that when a disaster strikes, rescue teams can continue their work faster. For example, the Global Environment Center (GEC), one of the NGOs involved in flood disaster management in Shah Alam, has produced a module and mapping program called “town watching mapping.” The mapping program shows critical and non-critical areas of flooding according to the levels that have been reported. The mapping module can improve social and environmental aspects, including the economy.

4.2. Response According to Modified Sendai Framework, UNDRR 2015

After the informal interviews were conducted, responses were analysed and arranged according to themes modified from the Sendai Framework, UNDRR 2015, regarding using GIS in flash flood management at Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Table 2. Themes modified from the Sendai Framework.

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

below summarises solutions according to themes related to the responses about the benefits and challenges of using GIS applications:

Table 2 shows the modified themes from the Sendai Framework. There are four themes, which are a better understanding of using GIS applications, the strengthening of governance to use GIS applications in flash flood disaster management, investing in using GIS mapping for flash flood disaster management and improving disaster preparedness for effective response, and “building back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The first theme shows the importance of identifying potentially dangerous activities through GIS mapping to prioritise prevention, preparedness, and response. It outlines preventive measures that need to be implemented by the government and national operators, including legislative and institutional measures [2]. Based on the informal interviews for this theme, the output that can be included is that all sectors, especially the government, should identify how to use GIS more accurately. GIS is critical in producing information mapping to provide data to all parties in flash flood management. Therefore, the relevant agencies should promote the use of GIS in flash flood disasters and ensure that data and information are easily accessible for all sectors.

The second theme addresses the need to strengthen governance to use GIS applications in flash flood disaster management, which means that all parties should establish legislative and institutional frameworks at the local, national, and regional levels to tackle the prevention, emergency preparedness, and response to industrial incidents. Based on Table 2, the solution comments found after the informal interviews were conducted found that making arguments to the government about the use of GIS can ensure that the level of disaster management will increase because GIS can play a prominent role in managing the problem of flash floods. Being informed about the collaboration between agencies and the government can also ensure that collaborations with each other will be stronger and more organised. This is because there is also a small problem where some agencies negatively impact each other in managing disasters. They are not given structured information from their superiors. Therefore, defining the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies, NGOs, and communities involved in flash flood management can ensure more orderly management by distributing tasks and actions during flash flood disasters in the areas involved.

The next theme is investing in using GIS mapping for flash flood disaster management, which means that the government must also provide financial resources, especially once GIS applications are used to implement these measures. Following the various issues that have arisen after the implementation of flood disaster management, which was not satisfactory to the public, comments from several agencies, including the education department, commented on the various issues and problems that occurred. Therefore, improvements should be implemented by investing in GIS mapping for flash flood disaster management. By providing technical assistance, organisations can optimise the value of GIS investment and improve the equipment required to use GIS, ensuring that the relevant agencies can fully access and use GIS applications. The government should also determine the costs and resources needed to implement GIS mapping so that GIS agencies can implement accurate budget calculations to use GIS in flash flood management in the areas involved (Figure 5).

The last theme is improving disaster preparedness for effective response and “building back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. This theme shows the government encouraging cross-border training to train relevant authorities and communities in preparedness and response by using GIS for disaster management. One input in this theme is that the government should promote GIS knowledge among the general public, especially at the appropriate educational level, to open opportunities and produce GIS experts in the future. By recommending GIS training for all sectors, especially the public sector, to obtain information quickly, the authorities involved during flash floods should implement an early warning system in each area to better prepare them to face the problem.

4.3. Discussion

The frequency of flash floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia, has become an essential and significant problem in flood disaster management. Flash flood disasters have become one of the challenges and obstacles to the government’s development and threaten the area’s residents when living their daily lives in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The government and several management agencies have considered this matter to ensure that this problem can be reduced over time. However, there are still deficiencies in management and the use of GIS mapping in implementing flash flood management. With that, informal interviews were conducted to obtain answers and responses from all parties and ensure that disaster management in Malaysia is more structured and sustainable.

4.3.1. Better Understanding of Using GIS Applications

According to the analysis based on Table 2 above, the themes modified from the Sendai Framework, UNDRR, can describe various solutions and guidelines for all sectors using GIS during flash flood disaster management in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The themes developed in this study are closely related to managing natural disasters, especially flash floods. The main focus of this study is to determine the effectiveness of using GIS applications in improving flash flood management in Shah Alam, Malaysia. The first theme is related to a better understanding of using GIS applications. The excellent use of GIS can facilitate the management work of authorities in managing disasters because GIS is a tool that allows for the collection, presentation, and analysis of spatial data [43]. If the relevant agency can identify how to use GIS more accurately, the likelihood of the percentage of effectiveness in flash flood disaster management will increase.

GIS mapping gives emergency respondents vital information about floods, including the locations of shelters, evacuation routes, and flood extents. This information makes it possible for resources to be deployed more effectively. It makes coordination between response organisations easier, which speeds up and improves the effectiveness of rescue and relief efforts. The government and private agencies, NGOs, and the community use GIS. It needs to be applied from the beginning so that residents are more exposed to preparedness before facing flash floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Therefore, the authorities that can access the primary use of GIS should ensure that data and information are easily accessible for all sectors—creating maps and other visual representations to communicate complex information effectively.

Based on the interviews, the authorities should also promote the use of GIS in flash flood disasters to see more benefits and ensure the relevance of the map produced. For example, data on the number of people living in an area, the type of land use, flood-prone areas, slope areas at risk, locations of temporary transfer centres (PPS) and those that are currently in operation, the number of flood victims, public facilities, and utilities are provided, among other departments, by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS), and the Department of Minerals and Geosciences Malaysia (JMG), among others. Flood disaster management is not only dependent on management, but from a technical point of view, it also needs to be taken seriously, as the authorities should also understand the use of GIS better for its benefits when managing flood disasters in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

4.3.2. Strengthen Governance to Use GIS Applications in Flash Flood Disaster Management

After understanding the improved use of GIS in flood management, the findings of the second theme regarding strengthening governance to use GIS applications in flash flood disaster management should be implemented to ensure more systematic management. After receiving responses from informal interviews with several government agencies and the community, implementing cooperation still has challenges and shortcomings. Governance must be strengthened to use GIS applications in flash flood disaster management. This strengthening requires a comprehensive strategy considering institutional, technical, capacity-building, and policy factors. For example, agencies in the United States cooperate to utilise a comprehensive flood forecasting and warning system that leverages GIS and inter-agency collaboration. All parties cannot use GIS in a disaster. Therefore, technical parties such as the JPS, LUAS, and MBSA concerned with the use of GIS should share mutual information and GIS data with other agencies such as the APM while implementing flood rescue aid by providing mapping data of the area concerned and using combined agency information to evaluate past flood data, determine areas at risk, and forecast possible flood scenarios using GIS simulations [44].

The way to ensure this is implemented is by informing the government about the use of GIS and discussing collaboration between agencies so that they can more clearly see the benefits of collaborating in using GIS against the impacts of flash flood disasters in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Strengthening governance to use GIS applications can also be improved by defining the roles and responsibilities of various government agencies, NGOs, and communities involved in flash flood management. Based on the interviews, miscommunication between agencies and irregular program management among several agencies cause unresolved issues because the agencies are not doing their job regularly.

Indirectly, several agencies cooperate in performing flood disaster management. The Royal Malaysian Customs Department works together with the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) to development a digital map prototype for use in flood operations based on GIS, which aims to facilitate the acquisition and collection of flood area information so that rescue teams can analyse and determine the level of safety during flood disasters (https://www.hrdnet.com.my/malaysia-civil-defence-department.html, accessed on 18 May 2024).

Among the benefits of mapping is being able to identify important information about disaster operations, such as the most recent location of rescue teams on the ground, which can be sent more easily between the workers of the rescue team and the control centre, and flood disaster activity can reduce the risk of accidents or other hazards for all parties involved by identifying a safe route through an analysis of the geographical characteristics of the flood disaster location. Indirectly, all the information in this theme is essential for improving flash flood management and positively impacting the government and community in handling flood disaster management by being more prepared and taking early steps to reduce the effects of floods on Shah Alam, Malaysia.

4.3.3. Investing in Using GIS Mapping for Flash Flood Disaster Management

This theme means the government must also provide financial resources, especially when using GIS applications to implement these measures [2]. A critical flash flood event will adversely affect all parties regarding management, safety, and implementation. First, the costs and resources must be determined to implement GIS mapping. When they are, the government can ensure an adequate budget allocation. When the budget and cost have been allocated, the government must provide technical assistance to organisations that can optimise the value of GIS investments and improve the necessary equipment for the use of GIS in flash flood management in Shah Alam, Malaysia. With proper investment, the quality and effectiveness of using GIS in managing the issue of flash floods in Shah Alam, Malaysia, will improve. Along these lines, effective and systematic data sharing will mean that all government levels can access the data. NGOs, the private sector, and the community can obtain facilities to access GIS, which the government has invested in flash flood management. Based on the informal interviews conducted, Shah Alam, Malaysia, faces issues related to flash floods, so remedial measures must be taken. It is possible that the increased use of GIS in managing floods in Shah Alam will have a significant impact and can improve sustainable development in the area, but the resources must be invested in.

4.3.4. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Effective Response

The last theme based on the Sendai Framework, UNDRR 2015, is enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and “building back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction, which entails the government encouraging the implementation of cross-border training to train relevant authorities and communities in preparedness and response by using GIS for use during disaster management [2]. After identifying the use of GIS in flood management, the issues that arise during flood management and their solutions should be evaluated to overcome these problems. Based on the interviews, respondents commented that the government should create and use an early warning system in each area because Shah Alam lacks an early warning system capable of making residents more aware of the surrounding conditions, especially during floods. With developments in artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, and accurate weather forecasting models, creating an early warning system is now technically possible. Flooding has become a way of life for those states along the east coast that receive yearly monsoon floods. Because Selangor rarely has severe flooding, residents require early notice and instructions on what to do.

Above all, the authorities must above all be prepared and supportive. Expanding GIS knowledge among the general public will have an impact, and all parties will be more aware of the dangers of flash floods and then be able to assess the benefits of using GIS in disaster management. The government can also recommend GIS training for all sectors so that they can further develop basic knowledge of how to use GIS in disaster management. For example, the United Nations Satellite Center (UNOSAT) provides training participants with concepts and geospatial methodologies for risk assessment and satellite-based rapid response analysis and mapping in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. The participants who join this training can define and describe basic concepts and terminology related to geospatial information technology and can apply GIS methodologies and tools to perform impact analysis for emergency response mapping.

Researchers discussed GIS training at the educational level, such as in schools in Sabah, Malaysia. The objective of this research was to ascertain whether GIS can be used to teach geography in Sabah’s secondary Smart schools, which are renowned for having the most cutting-edge ICT infrastructure in the whole of Malaysia [45]. The study stated that the main challenges preventing teachers from using GIS in geography classes were the lack of GIS software and the incompatibility of this approach with the current geography curriculum. These problems can be addressed by cooperating with several agencies from various sectors.

Because each disaster has a distinct response strategy, disaster management plans are varied. Thus, utilising the latest big data management techniques is crucial. Since historical data are accessible in numerous nations, big data analysis techniques must predict the flooding patterns and the potential severity of their effects. Based on the forecast, the methodology recommends utilising a matrix technique to rank the most likely flood locations. The more susceptible places should receive more attention, and governmental resources can be used appropriately. The vulnerability matrix will decide the best course of action, which can entail preserving the existing reservoirs and constructing more water storage dams of assorted sizes.

Appropriate measures should be used to lessen runoff or redirect the flood into different reservoirs. Municipal drainage systems should receive particular attention, and these should be placed at a safe distance from crowded areas. Runoff water should be directed into potential flood pockets to prevent flooding and preserve lives. If relocation is necessary, persons who suffer flood-related damage should be offered incentives for rehabilitation. All possible data requirements required for the framework should be controlled, together with pertinent data. Special data centres at the state and national levels should be established to monitor rainfall patterns and potential flood hazards. A lesson-learned session should be held in the last phase, and the outcomes should be combined with the framework to make it better for managing disasters in the future. Other nations dealing with comparable flood disasters can also apply the suggested structure. A few minor adjustments can be made to adapt the framework to the specific needs of any nation. Flood catastrophe management will continue to cover the same ground in general.

4.3.5. Advanced GIS and Flash Flooding

Flash flood risk assessment refers to integrating multiple trigger factors to evaluate the risk probability of its occurrence. Cause analysis and process analysis are the two main methods used in current research. The former is a comprehensive analysis of the inducing factors and assesses the risk probability under the GIS environment, with the core goal of estimating index weights [46]. The data-rich methods employed often include regression, sensitivity analysis, grey correlation, etc. Commonly applied methods include the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method. For example, Zhao et al. (2016) integrated variable fuzzy set methods to construct an index system for evaluating China’s flash flood risk [46]. Abhishek et al. (2018) screened various indicators, including topography, meteorology, hydrology, etc., and adopted the AHP method and the entropy weight method to obtain a flash flood risk map of the study area [47]. However, due to the influence of subjective factors, it is difficult for the actual accuracy of the prediction to meet the application requirements [48]. The process analysis method has a physical mechanism, mainly applying meteorology, hydrology, and dynamics methods to estimate the impact range and flash flood losses [49]. Though these methods are simple, they do not provide a great level of accuracy in flash flood prediction in comparison to modern and advanced machine learning methods such as support vector machine (SVM) [50], logistic regression (LR) [51], artificial neural network (ANN) [52], and random forest (RF) [53] models. The flooded area is also determined through the Sentinel 1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data in SNAP software version 9.0.0 [54] and the Google Earth Engine with pre- and post-flood images [55].

5. Conclusions and Future Research Direction

Various challenges have occurred in government agencies’ use of GIS in managing flash flood disasters in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Shah Alam, Malaysia, floods every year despite the various actions and safety measures taken by the government and residents to overcome the problem of flash floods. These flash floods often occur in the study area due to less effective management factors between government agencies and a lack of awareness from the population to follow the instructions of the authorities before and during a flash flood disaster, based on data collection from informal interviews with experts from various government agencies and academics. One step linked to the challenge of flash flood management is using GIS. GIS is one of the tools used to map and facilitate the government’s and the population’s efforts in overcoming these problems. GIS can provide many benefits in flood disaster management in Shah Alam, Malaysia, but it has shortcomings and challenges. One example of the challenges faced by the public is limited access to detailed information as well as a lack of equipment, which causes the agencies responsible for conducting mapping for flash flood disasters to be unable to do so adequately. Overcoming GIS challenges in flash flood mitigation requires a multifaceted strategy that combines modern technology, accurate information management, and successful stakeholder collaboration. Through this process, it becomes apparent that while GIS offers many opportunities to enhance the management of flash floods, it also presents several challenges, such as data integration, accuracy, and accessibility. However, these problems can be solved using cutting-edge approaches, including community involvement, predictive modelling, and real-time monitoring.

• 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.