PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This paper investigates fire and flood risk management in the Kelantan State Museum, Malaysia. Protecting artefacts from hazards like fires and floods is crucial, as a museum plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. However, there is a lack of current disaster risk management practices at the museum, highlighting the need for improved protocols. Additionally, comprehensive guidelines for managing these risks are absent, leaving the museum vulnerable to potential disasters. This study aims to identify areas for enhancement in disaster preparedness and management protocols. This study delves into a qualitative research approach at the Kelantan State Museum by analysing risks, staff competencies, and existing protocols. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with four museum personnel and expert panel assessments. Additionally, this research used thematic analysis by utilising the Braun and Clark model to interpret the findings. The study identifies key areas requiring improvement in staff preparedness and institutional safety measures, particularly in managing fire and flood risks. These findings strengthen the museum’s capacity to safeguard artefacts, ensure visitor safety, and improve emergency response. It also contributes to the development of more resilient disaster management strategies for cultural heritage institutions and offers policy-aligned recommendations to support sustainable preservation efforts.