Youth on the Frontlines: A Study of Volunteering in Flood Disaster Relief Efforts

Youth volunteering is crucial during and after disasters, providing essential manpower to support affected communities. In Malaysia, however, youth participation in volunteer activities remains lower than that of adults. This study investigates the factors influencing Malaysian youths’ volunteering behavior in flood disaster relief using a cross-sectional survey of 212 respondents, collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed with SmartPLS version 4 and SPSS version 29. The results reveal that social capital positively shapes attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Furthermore, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, altruism, personal identity, and religiosity significantly predict volunteering intention, which in turn drives actual volunteering behavior. Notably, subjective norms and perceived moral obligation were not significant predictors of intention. By extending the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study provides an in-depth understanding of youth volunteering in disaster contexts and offers actionable insights for policymakers, NGOs, and youth organizations to design targeted strategies that enhance youth engagement in flood relief efforts.