Perceptions of key challenges in non-conventional transboundary crisis response management by public authorities in Malaysia: a COVID-19 case study

Malaysia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a non-conventional transboundary crisis, revealed significant inefficiencies, with disproportionately high cases and fatalities compared to similar nations. This study examines the challenges faced by public authorities in managing such crises, focusing on four Malaysian agencies and insights from five senior officials. Through semi-structured interviews, the research identifies six critical barriers: poor leadership, ineffective communication, inadequate IT infrastructure, weak data governance, and rigid policy frameworks. These findings highlight concerns about Malaysia’s crisis management system, particularly its limited operational capacity to address complex emergencies. The study offers valuable implications for policymakers, emphasizing the need to strengthen governance structures and address systemic weaknesses to improve future non-conventional transboundary crisis response.