World Applied Sciences Journal 21 (7): 945-959, 2013 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2013 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2013.21.7.2159 Corresponding Address: Ruhizal Roosli, School of Housing, Building and Planning, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia. Tel: +06 (0) 46533888 ext. 5396, Fax:+06 (0) 46576523. 945 Evolution of Disaster Planning and Housing in Malaysia: A Reviews Ruhizal Roosli, Phil O’Keefe and Md Azree Othuman Mydin 1 1 2 Disaster and Development Centre, Northumbria University, 1 Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, UK School of Housing, Building and Planning, 2 Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia Abstract: This article reviews the literature concerning studies of international and national disaster planning and housing in Malaysia. Focus of argument centered to the very classic evolution of disaster planning transformation from the notion of disaster represented as natural event to act of social phenomena that emphasis comes to be on internal rather than external factors. Government as a social regime not only formulates a complete framework of disaster planning but also has to make sure the plan works throughout the whole cycle of disaster management. It is essential to ensure close liaison between the bodies responsible for recovery and that concerned with disaster management. Learning can be used to develop a strategy and actions that include awareness raising and capacity building for enhancing enforcement of current legislation in order to ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation. Key words: Disaster Management Disaster Planning MNSC Directive 20 Emergency Housing INTRODUCTION three levels namely the national, state and district levels The Malaysian government gives extra attention to operational procedure (SOP) for all departments involved housing provision. Providing emergency shelter is one of in disaster management. This policy framework was the most important emergency activities because of developed from international and national requirements safety, land use and ownership issues [1]. Learning from such as Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA); Yokohama theme issues in disaster management such as the Strategy (guidelines for natural disaster prevention, dangerous location of buildings, improper construction, preparedness and mitigation); Habitat Agenda (a practical cultural attitudes about development and political roadmap for an urbanising world, setting out approaches preference, Malaysia is learning from shortfalls in and strategies towards the achievement of sustainable provision, training and awareness to suit with development of the world’s urban areas); other ISDR contemporary practice. The Malaysia National Security strategies (a system of partnerships for disaster risk Council (MNSC) Directive 20 clearly stated guidelines on reduction strategies which consist of international, the management of disasters including the responsibilities regional and national agencies); and national rules and and functions of various agencies within the scope of regulations. national and international legislation [2]. The MNSC Directive 20 is one part of the ‘Policy and Mechanism on METHODS AND MATERIALS National Disaster and Relief Management’ which is in fact characterise as a framework and outlines on the actions of The work concentrated mostly on academic reports land management according to the level and complexity of of original investigations rather than reviews (apart from the disaster. It establishes management mechanisms for the following: [4-15]). The conclusions in this paper are determining the roles and responsibilities of agencies at generalizations based on the author's interpretation of [3]. Quite simply MNSC Directive 20 is the standard