Post-flood disaster responses in Malaysia : Kota Tinggi resettlement revisited

This paper will explore transformative accounts of adaptation in areas at risk of flooding in Malaysia in the context of increasing evidence of dangerous climate change. It is particularly concerned with the challenges presented to architectural practice in responding to adaptation measures to extreme weather impacts. It is based on fieldwork that took place in Kota Tinggi, Johor and Kelantan in Malaysia during 2014-2015, a time that coincided with the Kelantan floods. The flood disaster that affected Kelantan in December 2014 and January 2015 was unprecedented in Malaysian history. This situation has called for acute measures from different bodies for post-flood actions, including architectural responses to help victims rebuild their spatial environment. Whilst technical strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change are an ever-increasing field of research, climate change is not just a technical challenge. This paper argues that a more holistic approach is needed in the field of architecture to understand how architects are changing the way they design to adapt to a new future with climate change. This paper revisits the flood resettlement projects created in Kota Tinggi and Johor following the floods of 2006-2007. It will discuss what can be learnt from these earlier housing projects that could be relevant to present-day responses to a flood disaster. To date, there has been limited research into the spatial and societal implications of climate change adaptation measures. This study seeks to contribute to the debate by providing suggestions and recommendations for the design of resettlement strategies for future victims of flooding in Malaysia.