Malaysia remains at risk of earthquakes, experts warn

Experts have cautioned that Malaysia remains at risk of experiencing earthquakes of up to magnitude 6, despite being outside the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said certain parts of the country are still prone to local quakes, even though Malaysia does not lie on major fault lines like Indonesia and the Philippines.

Institute of Geology Malaysia president Abd Rasid Jaapar had earlier warned that minor tremors could still occur in various regions, noting that earthquakes are unpredictable in both location and magnitude, The Star reported.

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Sabah faces highest seismic threat

Experts pointed to Sabah as the state most vulnerable to earthquakes because of its proximity to active seismic zones triggered by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate.

“Local earthquakes could still occur, especially in Sabah, which has active seismic activity. They could reach tremors of up to magnitude 6, based on records,” Mohd Hisham told the New Straits Times.

Meanwhile, geological expert Professor Dr. Felix Tongkul cautioned that quakes as strong as magnitude 6.5 could strike Ranau and Lahad Datu in the coming years, citing past tremors in the region.

Sabah has experienced strong earthquakes ranging between magnitude 6.0 and 6.3 on the Richter scale in 1923, 1958, 1976 and 2015, underscoring its vulnerability.

Calls for vigilance, preparedness

In response, experts advised the federal government, other relevant authorities and the public to remain vigilant to ensure safety in time of earthquake.

“If we claim there is no risk at all, that would be inaccurate. Natural events like earthquakes are unpredictable, so we must remain cautious, but there is no need for undue concern,” said Abd Rasid.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nor Shahidah Mohd Nazer, an engineering geology and soil mechanics expert from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia called for stronger preparedness.

“We must step up studies and monitoring of fault zones that have the potential to become active, as well as take precautionary measures, such as building tremor-resistant structures in high-risk areas,” she said.

Successive tremors rattle Johor state

The warning followed a series of minor earthquakes in Johor in late August, prompting authorities to place rescue teams on high alert.

The district of Segamat was rattled by seven tremors in just a span of a week, including a 4.1-magnitude quake on August 24, which was felt across several other states such as Negeri Sembilan and Melaka.

Additional tremors between magnitude 2.7 and 4.1 were recorded throughout the week, though no casualties or damage were reported.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department director Siti Rohani Nadir said its Special Tactical Operation Rescue Malaysia unit was on standby for further tremors.

Quake anxiety spreads among public

However, many residents are still worried, prompting them to urge the government and other relevant authorities to further enhance disaster preparedness.

B. Suresh, 37, from Bandar Segamat Baru, called on the government to implement a more efficient system to monitor geological changes and evaluate structural risks, Malay Mail reported.

Another resident, Izzat Shakirin Mohamad Amir, called for conventional disaster alert systems such as sirens and public announcements to ensure people without smartphones or internet access are not left uninformed.

Despite these concerns, National Disaster Management Agency director-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah assured that the minor tremors are unlikely to cause serious impact.

Although Malaysia lies outside the Pacific Ring of Fire and major quakes are rare, experts stressed the need for continued vigilance to safeguard lives.

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