Governance structure and challenges in COVID-19 response management by public authorities, Malaysia: a case study

Crisis response management to non-conventional transboundary threats, such as COVID-19, necessitated a robust governance structure due to its unprecedented nature, marked by uncertainty and regarded as the worst global catastrophe since World War II. This health emergency not only caused immense human suffering but also triggered significant socioeconomic disruptions. As of May 6, 2023, approximately 687,968,896 individuals had been infected, with 6,894,694 reported deaths. In response, countries around the world were compelled to develop effective strategies to minimise infections and fatalities. A strong governance structure, particularly in public administration, is crucial for determining the success of response management, as emphasised by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This study aimed to investigate the effective governance structure for managing COVID-19 responses in Malaysia and the challenges faced in ensuring an effective response. The analysis focused on four leading public authorities that were central to COVID-19 response management in Malaysia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using purposeful sampling, targeting top management representatives from the respective public authorities. Findings indicated that the current disaster response management necessitates a re-evaluation of existing governance structures or the development of a specific governance framework for non-conventional transboundary threats. It also highlighted the importance of embracing technology, enhancing data governance, improving communication, fostering community involvement, adopting flexible procurement procedures, and developing leadership skills to respond to such crises effectively.