Malaysia disaster management reference handbook (2025)

This updated Malaysia Disaster Management Reference Handbook provides information for planners and operators have a baseline of knowledge to support disaster management (DM) engagement with Malaysian stakeholders. Familiarity with a country’s hazard exposure, vulnerabilities, and coping capacities can support effective disaster response operations. 

For 30 years, Malaysia’s government has been moving toward a holistic DM strategy. In line with global frameworks, it is integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) to ensure that government, non-government organizations (NGO), the private sector, and communities are aware of hazards, adaptation opportunities, and response options before, during, and after emergencies. Since 2014, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) has been the focal point for all national DM activities, and it received a bolstered mandate in 2024 to ensure integration of DRR into DM. NADMA leads coordination, while state and district Disaster Management Committees deliver local DRR programs and execute response operations. NADMA and local authorities adhere to the cluster approach to disaster response, and the country has proactively designated ministries and agencies to lead clusters alongside international humanitarians.