Media Information, Flood Images, and Perceptions in Times of Flood

Abstract

Disasters in Malaysia are managed using a framework developed through Directive 20 by the National Security Council. This framework is widely used in managing floods on the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. However, the prolonged rains that occurred on 17 December 2021 tested the capabilities of the existing framework: the rains caused floods in urban areas, which is unusual. This study was conducted to investigate the flood situation using data from the media, observations of the affected area, and people’s perceptions to determine their actions upon receiving flood information from the media. This study used thematic analysis to analyze the media content on the floods in Selangor. Next, observation techniques were used in one of the most affected areas, namely Hulu Langat, Selangor, where content analysis of field notes was implemented to determine the emerging themes that were being formed. Finally, an online survey questionnaire was distributed through social media. This study’s findings established that what was reported in the media was correct; however, what actually occurred was worse than what was stated in the media. Through the survey, it was found that people are extremely reliant on social media and assume that logistical constraints in the delivery of assistance have contributed to negative public perceptions of disaster management agencies.