Segamat: The 4.1 magnitude earthquake that struck Segamat early today should be taken as a ‘wake-up call’ for Malaysia to strengthen seismic monitoring, disaster preparedness and structural safety audits, say Malaysian structural and seismic experts.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Academy of Sciences fellow and Malaysian Structural Steel Association (MSSA) deputy president Ir. Dr. Azlan Adnan said the 6.13 am tremor was likely triggered by tectonic stress release on a minor fault previously unmapped or thought inactive in southern Peninsular Malaysia. Dr. Azlan emphasized that regions like Johor, including Segamat, were previously considered outside active seismic zones like Sabah or Sumatra, but the risk is present.
He highlighted the necessity for detailed fault-mapping studies, effective site-effect assessments, and a denser monitoring network in the region. Records from MetMalaysia indicated that the peak ground acceleration intensity reached 10 per cent, a level potentially causing minor damage to structures if repeated.
Commenting on aftershock risks, Dr. Azlan noted that the first 72 hours following a tremor are critical, with smaller aftershocks possible. Although the likelihood of a stronger quake remains low, he suggested exercising caution as though the initial tremor were a foreshock until activity subsides.
He noted that older or poorly maintained structures, non-structural components, as well as slopes and retaining walls, could be at risk of light to moderate damage if tremors recur. Local utilities may also face disruptions if equipment is not quake-resistant, emphasizing that preparedness should be strengthened before major damage occurs.
Dr. Azlan urged collaboration among the government, technical agencies, local authorities, and researchers to enhance the seismometer networks, apply GNSS and InSAR technologies, conduct urban microzonation studies, and perform rapid audits of critical buildings. He advised the public to follow international safety guidelines during tremors and maintain a 72-hour emergency kit.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer in seismic engineering and earthquake studies Dr Mohd Nur Asmawisham Alel expressed that Malaysia should not feel overly safe from seismic threats. He cited historical data showing numerous earthquakes in both Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah, including the deadly 2015 Ranau quake.
He advocated for supporting Malaysia’s adoption of the Eurocode 8 earthquake-resistant building standard with reassessments of older structures, nationwide disaster education, and regular drills. Dr. Alel stressed the importance of continuous monitoring by authorities, improved public awareness, and ensuring older buildings meet modern standards to enhance safety and resilience against future earthquakes.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed the occurrence of a 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Segamat at 6.13 am today, followed by a weaker tremor of 2.8 magnitude at 9 am, 28 kilometres northwest of Kluang.