IN A groundbreaking move to enhance disaster preparedness, a group of concerned Hulu Klang communities have set up the first-ever Community Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Resource Centre in Malaysia.
Located in Bukit Antarabangsa, Selangor, the centre serves as a communal hub for residents to learn about their physical environment and equip themselves with knowledge to mitigate disaster risks.
The centre is the outcome of a four-year collaboration as part of the SeDar programme.
SeDar is the abbreviation for “Strengthening the Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity to Improve the Safety and Security of Communities by Understanding Disaster Risks”.
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Hulu Klang community leader Badrulisham Mohd Akhirin, who has been involved in the SeDar programme, said the group hoped to inspire a mindset change in residents and the wider community.
“As residents, we can no longer ignore our surroundings anymore.
“Bukit Antarabangsa and Ukay Perdana, for example, are known for having a history of landslides and landslips.
“We cannot expect or just rely on Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) as the local authority to constantly monitor for signs of slope failure.
“This is where residents have to play a part in monitoring for any changes in the environment,” he said during a visit to the centre.
Badrulisham, who is also Taman Bukit Utama 2 Residents Association chairman, said that while the Hulu Klang community was proactive in this respect, they felt that an information centre to support and guide the community was necessary.
“This is where the DRR Resource Centre comes in.
“It provides a dedicated space for education, awareness and collaboration among residents.
“By equipping ourselves with the knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate risks, we can better protect our community and reduce the impact of disasters,” he explained.
As the DRR name suggests, the aim was not to entirely prevent disasters but to focus on disaster reduction, he said.
The centre features a gallery of posters, 3D terrain model, mini library of disaster-related resources, audio-visual displays, as well as a physical space for holding talks and workshops among community members.
Formerly an MPAJ community hall, the building was donated to SeDar and the community for the purpose of setting up an educational centre on DRR.
Since its opening in February 2024, the space has been utilised for safety drills and training as well as serving as a meeting place for discussions and dialogues between technical agencies and communities.
Badrulisham said the resource centre was run and managed by community volunteers.
“Our future plans include forming an official committee that will manage the centre as well as carry out programmes to further the ideas of DRR,” he said.
Hashim Bakhtiar Amir Shaharudin, another SeDar participant and community leader, said DRR programmes and exercises helped raise awareness of issues affecting the community and how to respond accordingly.
“It gives us an idea of how to react when a disaster happens.
“We have to become our own first responders as it may take time for the authorities to reach the site,” he said.
He added that the activities carried out could be replicated in other areas.
“In Hulu Klang, many communities face similar challenges as we have similar terrain.
“What we learned here can be implemented and practised at other locations,” said Hashim Bakhtiar. — By SHALINI RAVINDRAN
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