Natech potential due to emerging climate hazards and awareness of the local stakeholders in the coastal industrial site of Kuala Selangor, Malaysia

Climate change may put more industrial sites at risk of Natech incidents, particularly in coastal areas due to the compounding effects of climate hazards. This study investigates industrial facilities with potential for Natech due to emerging floods and delineates awareness of the exposed stakeholders, using the best available information, to strengthen local level climate change adaptation and disaster resilience in IKS Kuala Selangor, Malaysia. Two major methods were employed, conceptual site modelling using the source-pathway-receptor-consequence approach and semi-structured interviews to get insights from the local stakeholders. Findings reveal that in the worst-case scenario, manufacturing industries are exposed to floods, have limited flood protection and unknown containment and storage measures of hazardous materials within their facilities. While the high concentration of total metals in the surrounding topsoil has not been linked directly to the manufacturing industries, they have potential for Natech in future flood events. An area with environmentally available lead and arsenic accumulation linked to agricultural activities is also a potential point source for pollution during flood events in the worst-case scenario. Although most of the exposed local stakeholders are aware of climate hazards, they are not prepared for the risks of Natech. The local adaptation plan should include awareness building on Natech targeting the exposed local stakeholders as well as adequate flood protection and updated guidance on managing the safety of hazardous materials at manufacturing industry facilities.