Managing flood waste: a burden to Kuala Krai residents

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to identify the perception regarding the post-flood waste management system in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. 24 respondents - 12 men and 12 women - were selected at random using the following criteria: 25 years old and above, local residents from Kuala Krai, Kelantan, and directly involved with the flood in 2014. Respondents were divided into 3 groups each consisting of 8 people. The discussion sessions were held according to the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) format and carried out by an experienced moderator. The study shows that ineffective flood waste management provisions in government policies and individual management are the main causes of the spread of diseases and the longer time before cleaning work took place than before. Besides, the psychological effects of flooding on the villagers such as trauma, depression, and shock were due to the loss of their assets. The issue of cooperation among people also arose in the study as one of the effective factors in flood waste management in Kuala Krai. The study also notes suggestions from the villagers about the upgrading of the methods of flood waste management for the future. This paper can be used as a basis for determining the policies or guidelines that are needed by the government when improving the effectiveness of flood waste management.

Keywords: flood, waste management, Kuala Krai, Focus group discussion