A study of community slope risk and awareness in Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia faces a high probability of experiencing landslide disasters, particularly during rainy weather. Copious rain would result in landslide prone areas with low slope strength; thus increasing the possibility of landslide disasters occurring and threatening the safety of surrounding communities. The locations of this study are in the state of Penang that has been listed as landslide prone areas, namely Mukim 17 at Batu Ferringhi, as well as Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong, two areas which are in Mukim 18. This research aims to map community slope risk areas and to evaluate the understanding, knowledge, and awareness of the community on slope risk and landslides. There are two methods involved, namely GIS and survey. The findings show that the estimated community slope risk mapping is 24.71% and 20.62% of inhabitants living in high risks landslide zones in Mukim 17 and 18. 62 respondents participated in the survey and the result analysis shows that more than 50% have a strong fundamental knowledge of slope risks, while less than 50% are aware of possible landslide risks, and 42.6% will always obey an evacuation order. Overall findings show that most of the community does have a general awareness of slope risks and landslides.