Decision Support System for Disaster Recovery Centre in Malaysia

DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR DISASTER RECOVERY CENTRE IN MALAYSIA

By

Rohafiz Sabar, Nur Khairiel Anuar,

Massudi Mahmudin, Wan Zulkifly Wan Zakaria

Universiti Utara Malaysia

06010, Sintok Kedah Malaysia 

ABSTRACT

The research explores a comprehensive model aimed at satisfying total relief demand by minimizing logistics operation costs for the Disaster Recovery Centre (DRC). The model was formulated to integrate the Decision Support System (DSS), facility location, and inventory decisions while considering capacity constraints and time restrictions to reduce the total cost of relief operations during a disaster. The application of critical success factors related to supply and demand was demonstrated using a real disaster case in Malaysia, involving disaster areas and a distribution centre. To gain insights, a questionnaire and interviews were conducted with disaster management experts, allowing for in-depth discussions. A mechanism that identified key contributory factors was then developed, leading to the establishment of a disaster risk reduction model based on these factors. The application of critical success factors, including the efficiency of supply chain coordination, the responsiveness of logistics, and resource availability, was demonstrated using a real disaster case involving severe flooding in the North and East Coast region of Malaysia, which impacted multiple communities and required coordinated distribution efforts from the central distribution centre. To gain insights, a questionnaire and interviews were conducted with disaster management experts, allowing for in-depth discussions. The model was evaluated and compared with existing disaster management guidelines to validate its effectiveness. The results disclosed a significant relationship between supply and demand, the decision support system, and community safety. The project concluded by suggesting an optimized DSS that balanced the aspirations of all concerned parties. Additionally, the DSS demonstrated potential for generating revenue as a new business development opportunity by optimizing the efficiency of disaster recovery operations. Although much research has been conducted on disaster management in general, a detailed evaluation of the optimization of supply and demand for DRCs using DSS remains an unexplored domain.

Keywords: Decision Support System (DSS), Disaster Recovery Centre (DRC), Disaster Risk Reduction, Optimization.