DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN JAPAN – The Comprehensive Learning Journey
As a Fire Officer serving with the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (FRDM), my career has been defined by the commitment to protect lives
and property. However, the evolving landscape of global climate change and urban complexity requires more than just traditional response; it
demands advanced, data-driven disaster management strategies.
I am honored to be part of the 19 participants selected from various Malaysian government agencies for the Disaster Management Programme
(DMP) 2025/2026. This intensive training, which spans from October 8, 2025, to June 2, 2026, is a strategic initiative under the Malaysia Civil Service
Department (JPA) and is conducted by the Institute of Excellence in Government (IEG).
The most critical phase of this journey takes place in Japan, from November 9, 2025, to January 31, 2026, where we are stationed at the Disaster
Management Training Center (DMTC) within the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo. Learning at one of the world’s leading research
institutions provides an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and field-level emergency operations.
Why Japan? Japan is globally recognized as a “superpower” in disaster risk reduction. Positioned on the Pacific Ring of Fire, the nation faces a constant
threat from earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and typhoons. This geographic vulnerability has forced Japan to develop the world’s most
sophisticated disaster management systems, governed by the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act.
Through historical tragedies—such as the Great Kanto Earthquake, Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake (1995) and the Great East Japan Earthquake
(2011)—Japan has transitioned from a focus on disaster response to a culture of “Bosai” (holistic disaster prevention). Their expertise lies in:
• High-Tech Early Warning Systems: Real-time detection and public dissemination.
• Structural Resilience: Advanced seismic engineering and “Sabo” (sediment control) works.
• Community Preparedness: A deep-rooted “culture of prevention” among citizens.
The Malaysian Strategic Interest
The Malaysian government, continues to view Japan as the gold standard for disaster resilience. While Malaysia is traditionally spared from major
seismic activity (but lately have minor), we face increasing threats from:
1. Severe Monsoon Flooding: Requiring Japan’s advanced hydrological modeling and flood mitigation expertise.
2. Urban Disasters: As our cities grow, we must adopt Japan’s systematic approach to high-density emergency management.
3. Institutional Capacity: Strengthening the inter-agency coordination between FRDM and other departments.
By sending us to the University of Tokyo, the Malaysian government aims to cultivate a new generation of “Disaster Management Specialists”
who can translate Japanese technology and ethics into the Malaysian context. This journal serves as a record of that knowledge transfer a bridge
between the expertise of Japan and the safety of Malaysia.
My sincere appreciation goes to Mrs. Idzatul from the Malaysia Civil Service Department (JPA), En. Rusli & NADMA team as well as the dedicated
team from the IEG Campus team, Mr. Tamil, Mr. Isham, and Dr. Faiz for their strategic initiative and invaluable collaboration in making this
transformative journey possible. My deepest gratitude also to Prof. Muneyoshi Numada and team for his visionary leadership and world-class
expertise in steering the DMTC program, and a very special thanks to our facilitator, Mr. Akihiro Hikita, whose unwavering support and guidance
made him feel like both a father and a brother to our cohort throughout this intensive journey. Under your mentorship, we have successfully
bridged the gap between being emergency responders and disaster scientists, gaining invaluable insights into Japan’s sophisticated “Bosai” culture
and advanced technological frameworks. Your commitment to our professional growth has provided us with the strategic roadmap and “disaster
imagination” necessary to enhance urban resilience and protect lives in Malaysia for years to come.