Knowledge Transfer in People-Centered Dam-Related Disaster Program in Cameron Highlands

Abstract

The inabilities to face natural hazard leads to the additional economic and infrastructure loss towards people living in high-risk areas such as low-lying areas leading to flooding events. People-centered knowledge transfer program approaches are the first response that is best in establishing a community that is capable and resilient to protect themselves. Sultan Abu Bakar Hydroelectric Dam is a megastructure under Cameron Highlands Batang Padang Hydroelectric Scheme. The dam is located at Ringlet-Bertam Valley Road with a man-made lake on the upstream of the dam called Ringlet Reservoir. The downstream communities along Bertam River consist of a few Orang Asli settlements which particularly vulnerable to flood as some of the houses, structures and farms apparently are within the river reserves or dangerously close to the dam; located within the movement of water flow if released from the dam. The aim of the program is to ensure that the directly affected communities are fully aware and prepare for any untoward incidents in their area, especially related to the failures of dam operations through identifying the lives and livelihood of the communities. This includes preparing community awareness by educating the affected community as a disaster-resilient community through capability formation and capacity building human resources, such as disaster school awareness programs, community awareness programs, and drill exercises. This study revealed that knowledge transfer through people-centered links to human interaction and support from authorities such as village head/representatives were shown to be effective in enabling the community to lessen the negative effects of disasters with the assistance of technological approaches; siren and drills. These calls for the stressing of local authority and implementation partners focused on addressing these underlying causes, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders in scaling the effective coping strategies in order to build resilience within this affected community.