Projects | CEPA for Flood Preparedness in Malaysia's River Basins

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Enhancing preparedness in Malaysia’s most vulnerable river basins

After Malaysia experienced severe floods in 2014 that affected 500,000 people and caused MYR 2.85 billion in damages, the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) created the National Flood Forecasting and Warning Program (PRAB).

This innovative program featured early warning technology to help protect communities from flood risks. While the technical aspects were strong, DID recognised an opportunity to strengthen PRAB's impact by boosting community awareness and participation, a key focus area for further development.

Aurecon’s role involved supporting DID to address this challenge through the Communication, Education, and Public Awareness Program (CEPA), designed to transform a crucial government initiative into a grassroots movement that would reshape Malaysia's approach to flood preparedness.

The CEPA program elevated citizens from passive warning recipients to proactive participants in flood preparedness.

The CEPA program was implemented in the key regions of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang River Basins. Going beyond traditional awareness campaigns, Aurecon designed and implemented a comprehensive engagement strategy that combined hands-on flood simulations, community-driven competitions, interactive workshops, and targeted media outreach. As a result of this multi-faceted approach, public awareness of PRAB increased from 5.7 per cent to 73.9 per cent in just two years.

Location

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Client

Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia

Aurecon's Role

Communications and stakeholder engagement, project planning for flood preparedness

Expertise

Engagement & Change Advisory, Program Advisory, Water Infrastructure Engineering & Advisory, Sustainability & Climate Change

Status

2022

A response to COVID-19 and beyond

When faced with COVID-19 restrictions, Aurecon showcased adaptability by reimagining engagement strategies. We introduced innovative alternatives such as drive-through briefings and personalised house-to-house visits, developed collaboratively with local district officers.

Through the use of social and mainstream media, CEPA maintained its reach. Interactive tools and competitions brought flood preparedness to life, especially for younger audiences. Highlights included:

2,352 students from 193 schools engaged in an online crossword quiz
79 video production teams from 24 secondary schools explored flood topics through storytelling
Strategic support from state education departments ensured integration into the school curriculum

Drive-Thru Awareness Program conducted during the pandemic for the community leaders in the District of Hulu Terengganu, Pahang.

A multi-channel, community-first communications campaign

Over two years, CEPA evolved into a national benchmark for inclusive, data-led community engagement. The project outcomes included:

Increased PRAB awareness from 5.7 per cent to 73.9 per cent
Over 4 million Malaysians reached via media campaigns
Direct engagement of 4,000+ community members, 220 schools, and 600+ government and NGO stakeholders
Outreach to vulnerable groups including women, children, senior citizens and people with disabilities

With the inclusive principle of 'nobody is left behind,' CEPA actively included vulnerable groups, ensuring everyone had access to vital information and resources. The program empowered communities by providing practical knowledge and support networks, transforming citizens into active participants in flood preparedness.

Facilitating a flood awareness program for students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Bera in the state of Pahang.

Empowering communities for long term resilience

CEPA transformed information into action. By providing communities with valuable knowledge, practical tools and supportive networks, Aurecon helped to elevate citizens from passive warning recipients to proactive participants in flood preparedness.

This has been especially beneficial for at-risk groups, who can now more confidently navigate evacuation procedures, identify local leadership contacts, and locate safe zones during emergencies.

The CEPA team conducting flood respond and preparedness training for community leaders in the District of Gua Musang, Kelantan State.

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The CEPA team conducting flood respond and preparedness training for community leaders in the District of Gua Musang, Kelantan State.

To ensure lasting positive impact, CEPA invested in building capacity among state-level DID officers, creating a foundation for continued success beyond the project timeframe. These officers now serve as local champions, driving momentum and strengthening flood resilience at the grassroots level.

The program's innovative adaptive design creates opportunities for continuous enhancement and customisation, allowing CEPA to effectively address emerging climate challenges and evolving community needs. It also aligns with key global, Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) including:

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13: Climate Action
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Leveraging digital tools for real-time impact

Aurecon enhanced data collection through cutting-edge digital methods for perception surveys. By implementing Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) and Electronic Data Collection (EDC) via tablets, field teams significantly improved both accuracy and efficiency in their data gathering. The integration of Power BI dashboards also enabled the client to track engagement and outcomes in real time, enhancing transparency and responsive decision-making throughout the campaign.

Designing for behavioural change

The success of CEPA relied on the strength of its partnerships with government agencies, schools, local leaders and NGOs all contributing to co-delivery and amplification.

The CEPA program demonstrates that strong disaster resilience begins with well-informed, empowered communities. By applying behavioural insights, creative engagement strategies, and cutting-edge digital innovation, Aurecon helped Malaysia make progress toward comprehensive flood preparedness, an achievement that strengthens public trust, protects lives, and builds enduring community resilience for generations to come.

Enhancing preparedness in Malaysia’s most vulnerable river basins

The CEPA program elevated citizens from passive warning recipients to proactive participants in flood preparedness.

A response to COVID-19 and beyond

A multi-channel, community-first communications campaign

Empowering communities for long term resilience

Leveraging digital tools for real-time impact

Designing for behavioural change

TAGS

We would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life, so get in touch and we'll get back to you.

Enhancing preparedness in Malaysia’s most vulnerable river basins

The CEPA program elevated citizens from passive warning recipients to proactive participants in flood preparedness.

A response to COVID-19 and beyond

A multi-channel, community-first communications campaign

Empowering communities for long term resilience

Leveraging digital tools for real-time impact

Designing for behavioural change

TAGS

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We would love to work with you to bring your ideas to life, so get in touch and we'll get back to you.