This paper presents an empirical analysis of community preparedness for flood disasters in Peninsular Malaysia, focusing on a comparison between communities exposed to monsoon floods in Kelantan and the threat of debris flows in Kedah. This study applies an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 23 key informants analysed thematically using ATLAS.ti, while the quantitative phase collected data from 420 respondents in high-risk districts, namely Kuala Krai, Pasir Mas, Baling, and Yan. The findings reveal the existence of a critical awareness-action gap among the communities. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling analysis proved that basic cognitive elements, namely knowledge and attitude, alone failed to directly drive physical mitigation actions. Conversely, experience emerged as the only significant direct relationship for mitigation and preparation. However, risk perception was confirmed to act as a central mediating variable; when cognitive factors successfully form a high-risk perception, it can be significantly translated into proactive actions across all mediating pathways. The qualitative analysis revealed behavioural differences: recurrent floods in Kelantan cultivate complacency and a reliance on aid, whereas the trauma of debris flows in Kedah heightens visceral risk perception, prompting rapid preparation. This study recommends a paradigm shift in disaster management policy, moving from mere information dissemination to affective and psychosocial intervention strategies to empower national preparedness.
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