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The handbook · 12 chapters

WHEN THE
LIGHTS GO OUT.

A family survival handbook for Malaysia. Decide everything here now, while everyone is calm and fed. Ticks and notes save on this device only.

23%

Low battery? Read only the bold lines. Everything else can wait for the generator, or for TNB, whichever comes first.

12 CHAPTERS.

Start at chapter 1 and work through one a weekend, or jump straight to what worries you most.

1The family planRoles, the 72-hour rule, and how to talk when the network doesn’t. 2Tools and go-bagsPocket, door, house, car. Plus where to buy it. 3StockpileTwo weeks at home for a family of four. Do not run out of Maggi first. 4Maps and safe groundWhere the real information is, and your three rally points. 5Water, fire, foodMaking water safe, three ways to make fire, eating without power. 6First aidThe first 60 seconds, CPR, the big four, and the tropical specials. 7Shelter and defenceWhich room for what, condo notes, and sleeping in the rimba. 8Self-defence and the lawWhat Malaysian law allows, and the tool list, honestly rated. 9Make it yourselfEight builds, from a bottle water filter to a two-bucket toilet. 10Skills to learn nowSwimming, CPR, five knots, and staying calm. 11Barter and tradeWhat holds value when money stops working, as a tier list. 12Scenario briefsThirteen things that can go wrong: before, during, after.

13 SCENARIOS.

Each one in three moves: before, during, after. Most have happened in Malaysia within living memory.

PRINT EDITION. SOON.

The handbook on paper: coming soon

A designed, print-ready edition is on the way: every chapter, the scenario briefs and fill-in checklists, laid out so it still works when your phone doesn’t.

Tell me when it’s out

About this handbook

Lights Out is a complete guide to help Malaysian households prepare for emergencies, with practical recommendations on what to do and what to keep ready.

It’s researched and run by two friends: Chun Wei, a life planner and coach, and Aaron Chin, a fitness enthusiast and ex-Scout who knows a thing or two about surviving in the jungle, and a proud geek for survival books and documentaries.

Version 1.1, November 2026.

Before you rely on it

Everything here is for reference. We research it carefully and aim to keep it accurate and practical, but no two emergencies are the same: stay vigilant, keep your situational awareness, and follow official instructions.

Treat these tips as well-researched recommendations, not medical, legal or professional advice, and not the final word. In danger, call 999. Read the full disclaimer.

Your notes stay with you

Ticks, names and rally points save in this browser on this device only. Nothing is sent anywhere. Clearing your browser data, or the button above, removes them.

Further reading

This handbook stands on the shoulders of these. They were written for other countries; the chapters above are the Malaysian translation.

SAS Survival Handbook

John “Lofty” Wiseman. The classic. Strongest on jungle shelter, fire and food.

US Army Survival Manual (FM 21-76)

Public domain and free. The tropical chapters suit Malaysia better than most civilian books.

Bushcraft 101

Dave Canterbury. Knots, tools and fire, explained without drama.

Deep Survival

Laurence Gonzales. Why calm people survive and clever people sometimes don’t.

Ready.gov and the Red Cross

The best-tested family plans and checklists anywhere. Our plan chapter borrows their bones.

NADMA and APM guidance

Malaysia’s own disaster agency and civil defence force. The final word on local procedures.