Community Awareness on Disaster Risk Management Boosted in Kota Belud

Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Natural Disaster Research Centre (NDRC) is actively engaging communities in Kota Belud, Malaysia, to bolster disaster risk management. Through its Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) program, the university aims to equip residents with crucial knowledge about potential hazards and effective response strategies.

Professor Dr. Carolyn Melissa Payus, director of NDRC, highlighted the program's goal to increase community preparedness and resilience. A unique strength in Melangkap is the existing Melangkap Disaster Task Force. This local team acts as the first responder, possessing intimate knowledge of their area's specific conditions, needs, and risks, which is vital for effective disaster management.

The initiative brought together participants from five villages: Melangkap Baru, Melangkap Kapa, Melangkap Tiong, Melangkap Tomis, and Melangkap Noriou. The program's agenda included informative sessions on the roles of agencies and the community, a briefing from the Melangkap Disaster Task Force, and practical exercises such as earthquake simulations, river rescue drills, first aid and CPR training, fire emergency drills, and disaster risk mapping through "Town Watching."

This collaborative effort involves NDRC UMS, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), the Kota Belud District Office, the National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM), the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM), and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (JBPM). The program seeks to further empower the Melangkap Disaster Task Force, leveraging community knowledge and strength for effective disaster risk response.