Community Awareness And Preparedness In Disaster Risk Communication: A Case Study Of PERMAI Community In Penang, Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates community awareness and preparedness in disaster risk communication within the PERMAI community in Penang, Malaysia, a vulnerable Indonesian diaspora exposed to recurrent floods and landslides. Grounded in Risk Communication Theory, Social Capital Theory, Stakeholder Engagement Theory, and the Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) model, the research addresses how communication gaps and limited stakeholder engagement undermine disaster resilience. A qualitative approach was employed through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to capture lived experiences and community perspectives.

Findings reveal that language barriers, legal insecurity, and limited access to official disaster information significantly hinder preparedness. The absence of a structured and culturally responsive communication system results in misinformation, weak risk perception, and ineffective response. Conversely, community-based strategies—such as peer-led education, participatory risk mapping, and the inclusion of migrant representatives in local planning—proved effective in strengthening social cohesion and building collective readiness. Furthermore, collaboration with stakeholders and tailored multilingual messaging enhanced engagement and trust.

This article contributes to communication and society studies by demonstrating how culturally grounded and participatory communication practices can strengthen disaster resilience among marginalized communities. It offers practical insights for policymakers, NGOs, and disaster management practitioners to design inclusive, localized, and trust-based communication strategies that integrate diaspora populations into national and local risk reduction frameworks.