FLOOD PREPAREDNESS INTENTION AMONG PAHANG RESIDENTS: AN EXTENSION OF THE THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Frequent occurrences of flooding in Malaysia lead to significant loss of lives and property. Pahang, located in the East Coast Region, is particularly vulnerable to severe floods, especially during the monsoon season. Predicting the flood situation in Pahang is challenging as it can unexpectedly affect previously unaffected areas. If the residents of Pahang are conscious of their susceptibility to floods, they are more inclined to make necessary preparations. This study examined the relationship between attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioral control (PBC), perceived susceptibility (SUC), and flood preparedness intention (INT) among 200 Pahang residents. An extension of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was developed and tested using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique with Partial Least Squares (PLS). A positive relationship was found between the independent variables and dependent variable except for perceived behavioral control. It is hoped that this study can contribute to the body of knowledge regarding flood preparedness in Malaysia, particularly Pahang, Malaysia. This study is also anticipated to assist policymakers in formulating specific policies concerning initiatives aimed at equipping individuals to confront flood situations.

Keywords

• perceived susceptibility
• flood preparedness intention. trust on public protection
• disaster risk reduction
• pahang