Kuala Lumpur: Despite Malaysia’s location outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, the nation faces some risk of earthquakes, prompting experts and officials to call for vigilance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abd Rasid Jaapar, president of the Institute of Geology Malaysia, highlighted that while Malaysia is not positioned along major tectonic plate collision zones, minor tremors have been recorded over the years. He emphasized the unpredictability of earthquakes, citing a 3.8-magnitude quake in Bukit Tinggi as an example.
Jaapar pointed out that the risk is higher in Sabah due to its proximity to active seismic zones formed by the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate collision. Recent seismic activities in the region include a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, with aftershocks felt in nearby countries.
Malaysia’s history of earthquakes, particularly in Sabah, includes events with magnitudes between 6.0 and 6.3, with the most recent significant quake occurring in 2015. Peninsular Malaysia has also experienced quakes, though generally of lower magnitude.
Datuk Azman Yusoff, president of the Malaysian Bumiputera Contractors Association, stated that new high-rise constructions in Malaysia now incorporate earthquake-resistant materials and designs, supported by government-established building codes.
National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Khairul Shahril Idrus noted that the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) is prepared for disasters, especially in high-risk areas like Mount Kinabalu, Sabah.
Efforts to monitor seismic activity are robust, with MetMalaysia operating 80 seismic sensors and deploying tsunami sirens nationwide. The Malaysian Tsunami Early Warning System can alert the public within minutes of detection.
Experts like Dr Khamarrul Azahari Razak from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia stress the importance of cross-sectoral disaster preparedness, advocating for improved evacuation strategies and coordination.
The introduction of the Seismic Hazard Map by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience in 2019 assists in earthquake-resistant building designs, aiming to mitigate risks across Malaysia.