Relationships between rapid urbanization indicators and flood disaster occurrence in Klang Valley, Malaysia: a quantitative correlation- regression study

Rapid urbanization has transformed the Klang Valley, Malaysia, but has also intensified urban flood risk through interconnected land-use and infrastructure pressures. This study examines the relationships between key urbanization indicators and perceived flood disaster occurrence using a single-method quantitative design. Primary data were obtained through a structured questionnaire survey of stakeholders involved in urban development and flood management (n = 122). Historical flood event records (2000–2023) were used to contextualize flood patterns and support the interpretation of survey findings. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, reliability testing (Cronbach’s alpha), Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. All urbanization indicators exhibited significant positive relationships with flood disaster occurrence (p < 0.01). Regression results indicate that drainage inadequacy is the strongest predictor (β = 0.42, p < 0.001), followed by land-use change (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and population density (β = 0.21, p = 0.004), demonstrating that flood vulnerability is driven by both development intensity and infrastructure capacity deficits. The study contributes empirical evidence from the Malaysian context by quantifying how urbanization-related pressures jointly explain flood disaster occurrence and by highlighting infrastructural and governance implications for integrated urban planning. Practical recommendations include upgrading drainage systems, implementing stricter land-use controls, and adopting climate-adaptive zoning to enhance urban flood resilience.