KUALA LUMPUR: Several initiatives are underway to strengthen Malaysia’s earthquake monitoring capabilities, says the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry.

“Under the 13th Malaysia Plan Rolling Plan 1 (13MP RP1), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) will implement the Phase 2 Earthquake and Tsunami Services Empowerment Project, which involves strengthening 12 seismic stations nationwide, constructing two new seismic stations in Segamat and Muar, Johor, and upgrading four seismic stations in Johor,” the ministry said in a parliamentary written reply dated Nov 4.

The Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), is monitoring 53 Fault Movement Benchmark Points (PAPS), which have been erected along fault areas throughout the country. This will serve as a reference for updating the Seismic Hazard Map.

“The Seismic Hazard Map published by JMG in 2017 has been used as an input for these building design standards. From a technical perspective, as the map is now more than seven years old, it should be reviewed to ensure that engineering standards and development guidelines remain aligned with the latest risk information,” it added.

The Seismic Hazard Map is also being updated continuously and periodically in collaboration with government agencies such as MetMalaysia, the Public Works Department, Department of Standards Malaysia and academia, to serve as a reference for safe national development.

“In addition, the application of the Seismic Hazard Map is also utilised by JMG when providing technical reviews for proposed developments located in areas along active faults that are exposed to seismic hazard risks resulting from earthquakes,” it said.

The ministry said the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM) has also developed a Malaysian Standard (MS) related to earthquake-resistant building design.

“This standard provides detailed guidelines for the structural design of buildings to withstand earthquake tremors. The MS EN 1998-1 document has been referenced in the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 1984 (Amendment 2021). However, its enforcement is subject to the respective state governments,” it said.

The ministry was responding to a question by Kamal Ashaari(PN-Kuala Krau) on actions taken in preparation for the increasing frequency of earthquakes, including aspects of preparedness, the need for new building standards, and the measures that have been implemented.