The increase in frequency and severity of floods in disaster-prone areas in Malaysia induced by Climate change create problem to businesses. Now, it is timely for them to be prepared because floods are recurrent events. Early preparation can save their businesses as they can preempt the said problem and can sustain businesses.
Recently, the increase in frequency and severity of floods in disaster-prone areas throughout Malaysia induced by climate change has continuously brought disasters not only to communities but also to businesses. It is a fact that small businesses play important roles for communities as they rely on them to get daily necessities. If businesses do not resume their operation as soon as possible after the floods, daily life and the local economy will be affected. A resilient business acts as a catalyst for community recovery.
However, many businesses, especially small business owners are still unprepared for such disasters. They often believe that it is the government’s responsibility to plan and take action during and after floods on all affected parties. As a result, many tend to take things for granted and are unsure of how to protect their lives, minimise damages to their premises, assets and inventories before the assistance arrives from relevant agencies. Realising their importance to the community due to their existence and services, small businesses should be fully prepared to secure their premises and protect their inventories and other facilities during flood events.
Planning is important to help businesses be well-prepared and know what to do when floods come. Since relocating a business’s premises is costly, and unaffordable to do so by many, what they need to do is to accept floods as recurring events and focus on preparation. More often than not, relocation is not the best option due to existing regular customers and it will take some time to get acceptance in a new location compared to the existing one.
Through planning, businesses can construct and add proper facilities to reduce the risk of damage. For example, immovable and bulkier items such as chairs and other furniture, should be made from solid wood or other flood-resistance materials that can withstand inundation and be easily cleaned with water. For items that are light and less bulky and usually placed near the ground, there is usually enough time to move them to a safe position when floods come. When business owners and staff prioritise their safety, they can be less worried about their assets and business items as they are pretty sure of their safety. By taking a fast and effective response, they can reduce disaster’s impacts.
As a result, with no or less damage they can resume their businesses as soon as possible after the floods recede. On the other hand, businesses that are unprepared and badly damaged by floods will face difficulties to resume their business operations as they need capital and replenishment of stocks, which may not be readily available from suppliers.
Building a resilient business is a climate-proofing strategy where it integrates climate change mitigation and adaptation measures into business operations.
However, because of a lack of awareness as well as businesses being preoccupied with day-to-day operations, many are not keen to learn about disaster preparedness. In this regard, businesses in flood-prone areas should form associations and collaborate with the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) to seek assistance in disaster planning as well as organising training programmes and other initiatives to ensure they are aware of the importance of preparedness and necessary actions during floods.
