THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ATTITUDE, SUBJECTIVE NORM, SENSE OF COMMUNITY, COLLECTIVE EFFICACY AND TRUST IN AGENCIES ON INTENTION TO PREPARE FOR A TSUNAMI DISASTER AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN KUDAT, SABAH

Abstract

Malaysia has only faced a tsunami once over the last two decades, but the effects of the tsunami were large enough to displace thousands from their homes. Tsunami disrupts daily activities and damage infrastructures especially to those living in the coastal areas at risk of a tsunami one of the areas with a potential for a tsunami hazard is Kudat, Sabah. This study aims to examine the relationship between attitudes towards tsunami preparedness, subjective norm, sense of community, collective efficacy, and trust in agencies with the intention to prepare for a tsunami disaster among vulnerable households in the area. A self-administered survey was conducted and a total of 443 usable samples were obtained from a total of ten villages at risk of a tsunami through proportionate sampling. Descriptive analysis was performed and results from the study showed that attitude towards tsunami preparedness, subjective norm, sense of community, collective efficacy and trust in agencies and intended to prepare was moderate. A correlation analysis was conducted to determine the relationship between the variable with the intention to prepare for a tsunami disaster. Based on the results obtained, attitude, subjective norm, sense of community, collective efficacy and trust in agencies were found to have a significant positive relationship with the intention to prepare for a tsunami disaster. The results suggest that the respondents have a positive attitude towards preparing for a tsunami, are more inclined to work together with their family and community members to prepare for a tsunami and trust the agencies to respond and protect them in the event of a tsunami disaster. The findings from this study suggest that a collective approach from all the stakeholders may help reduce the risks caused by a tsunami disaster.