Earthquake Risks in Malaysia
Malaysia is generally considered low-risk for major earthquakes due to its location on the stable Sunda Plate, outside the Pacific Ring of Fire.
However, it is not immune—minor tremors from local faults or distant quakes (e.g., from Sumatra or the Philippines) can occur, and recent events like the 2025 Johor tremors (magnitudes 2.8–4.1) highlight emerging concerns. Sabah faces the highest risk, particularly around Mount Kinabalu, with historical quakes up to magnitude 6.3. Peninsular Malaysia has seen 59 quakes (2.4–4.6 magnitude) from 1922–2020, often in areas like Bukit Tinggi (Pahang) and Mersing (Johor). Climate change may amplify risks by increasing soil interactions. The Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) released a Seismic Hazard Map in 2019, dividing the country into zones based on Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA):
Experts recommend updating the map with 2025 data to account for reactivated faults like Mersing.
National Prevention Measures
Malaysia has implemented guidelines to mitigate risks, though enforcement varies. Key efforts include:
- Building Codes: The Malaysia National Annex to Eurocode 8 (MS EN 1998:2015) mandates seismic design for new structures, using spring isolators to absorb energy and prevent collapse. Adopted post-2015 Ranau quake, it's a guideline (not always mandatory) for high-rises, with most new buildings since 2015 incorporating resistant materials. Older structures (pre-2015, based on British Standards) may lack full protection.
- Monitoring Systems: MetMalaysia operates 80 seismic sensors and the Malaysian Tsunami Early Warning System (SAATNM), alerting the public within 8 minutes via 83 sirens in tsunami-prone areas. Apps like MyShake provide real-time notifications.
- Response Teams: The National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) conduct drills, especially in Sabah. SMART is UN-recognized for collapsed-building rescues.
- Research and Planning: JMG's hazard maps guide land-use; microzonation studies are urged for cities like Kuala Lumpur to assess soil amplification. Public awareness campaigns emphasize reporting tremors via the Modified Mercalli scale.
Challenges include retrofitting older buildings (e.g., soft-story designs vulnerable to moderate quakes) and public complacency in "low-risk" zones.
Personal Precautions During an Earthquake
Follow the "Drop, Cover, Hold On" protocol from MetMalaysia:
1. Drop: Get down on your hands and knees immediately.
2. Cover: Protect your head/neck under sturdy furniture (e.g., table); stay away from windows, shelves, or exterior walls.
3. Hold On: Grip the furniture; if it moves, move with it.
- Indoors: Avoid elevators; aftershocks can follow—evacuate only if safe.
- Outdoors: Move to an open area away from buildings/power lines.
- Driving: Pull over safely; stay in the vehicle.
- Post-Quake: Check for injuries, gas leaks, or fires; listen to authorities (radio/TV/apps).
Home and Community Preparedness
- Secure Your Space: Anchor heavy furniture/TVs; tie down non-structural items (e.g., water heaters) to prevent falls.
- Emergency Kit: Stock water (3L/person/day for 3 days), non-perishables, flashlight, first-aid, whistle, cash, and documents in a waterproof bag.
- Family Plan: Discuss evacuation routes; practice drills. In schools/offices, identify safe spots.
- Insurance: Include earthquake coverage in policies—financial protection for repairs.
- Vigilance: Report tremors to MetMalaysia; avoid cracked buildings post-event.
Malaysia’s systems provide a solid foundation, but experts stress ongoing education and stricter code enforcement for resilience. For real-time alerts, visit [MyGempa](http://mygempa.met.gov.my/) or download the MyShake app. If in a high-risk area like Sabah, join local drills via NADMA.
