Despite a well-established disaster management framework in Malaysia, gaps remain in aligning formal systems with the lived realities of indigenous communities. This study examines the integration of indigenous knowledge into flood risk management in Tasik Chini, with a focus on the Orang Asli (indigenous) and multi stakeholder governance processes. A qualitative research design was employed, involving semi-structured interviews and group discussions with ten key stakeholder groups, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, research institutions, and Orang Asli community representatives. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns across perspectives on key insights, challenges, and potential strategies. Findings indicate that flood behaviour in Tasik Chini has become increasingly frequent and unpredictable, largely driven by environmental degradation and human activities. While indigenous ecological knowledge, such as environmental indicators for flood prediction, remains valuable, it is largely undocumented and not sufficiently integrated into formal disaster management frameworks. Key challenges include limited community participation, reliance on standardised top-down approaches, weak institutional trust, and constraints in accessing remote communities. The study highlights the need for more inclusive and context sensitive approaches to disaster management. Integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific systems, strengthening equitable partnerships, alongside more inclusive and locally responsive engagement strategies, and enhancing community-based disaster risk management are essential to improving disaster preparedness and resilience. The findings provide practical insights for policy and implementation in indigenous and environmentally sensitive contexts.

Authors:
Iffah Farhana Abu Talib, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia
Nurfashareena Muhamad, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Ginbert Permejo Cuaton, Lingnan University, Hong Kong
Pamela Giselle Katic, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
Henrike Neuhaus, University of Greenwich, United Kingdom
Nur Amelia Abas, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Iffah Farhana Abu Talib, Senior Lecturer at UiTM, Malaysia. Focus on disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and regional policy engagement. Contributed to ASEAN policy briefs and regional disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/iffah-farhana-6426a774/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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