PORTAL RASMI
JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
AGENSI PENGURUSAN BENCANA NEGARA
JABATAN PERDANA MENTERI
AGENSI PENGURUSAN BENCANA NEGARA
KUALA LUMPUR: 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.
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.
“Johor, including Segamat, was previously considered outside active zones like Sabah or Sumatra, but the risk is not zero.”
“From an engineering seismology perspective, this event is an early signal that local geological structures must be identified, characterised and closely monitored.”
“This requires detailed fault-mapping studies, more effective site-effect assessments and a denser monitoring network in the region,” he told Bernama today.
He said records from MetMalaysia showed the peak ground acceleration intensity reached 10%, a level that could potentially cause minor damage to nearby structures if repeated.
Commenting on aftershock risks, Dr. Azlan said the first 72 hours after a tremor were the most critical. “Smaller aftershocks are possible.”
“The likelihood of a stronger quake remains low, but not impossible.”
“Caution should be exercised as though this were a foreshock until subsequent activity subsides and no dangerous clustering is detected.”
“If it is indeed a foreshock, then a stronger earthquake of greater magnitude than 4.1 could occur,” he warned.
In terms of impact, he noted that older or poorly maintained structures, non-structural components (such as suspended ceilings, decorative stonework, and rooftop water tanks), as well as slopes and retaining walls, were at risk of light to moderate damage if tremors recur.
“Local utilities (such as water, electricity and telecommunications) may also be disrupted if equipment is not quake-resistant.”
“This means risks may recur, and we should not wait for major damage before strengthening preparedness,” he said.
Dr Azlan urged the government, technical agencies, local authorities and researchers to work together in strengthening high-density seismometer networks, applying GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) technologies, conducting urban microzonation studies, and carrying out rapid audits of critical buildings.
He also advised the public to practise international safety guidelines such as “Drop, Cover, Hold On” during tremors, exit calmly once shaking stops, avoid using elevators, check for structural damage and keep a 72-hour emergency kit with water, food, flashlights, medicines and a family communication plan.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) lecturer in seismic engineering and earthquake studies Dr Mohd Nur Asmawisham Alel stressed that Malaysia should no longer feel overly safe from seismic threats.
He said between 1922 and 2020, 59 earthquakes were recorded in Peninsular Malaysia, while Sabah experienced 67 incidents between 1900 and 2019, including the deadly 2015 Ranau quake that claimed 18 lives.
Therefore, he said Malaysia’s adoption of the Eurocode 8 earthquake-resistant building standard in 2021 should be supported with reassessments of older buildings, nationwide disaster education and regular drills by both authorities and communities.
“Continuous monitoring by authorities must be matched with improved public awareness and disaster education at all levels.”
“At the same time, old buildings that do not meet modern standards must be reassessed to ensure occupants’ safety.”
“With combined efforts from the government, agencies and society, Malaysia can reduce risks and strengthen resilience against future earthquakes,” he said.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed a 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in Segamat at 6.13 am today, followed by a second weaker tremor of 2.8 magnitude at 9 am, 28 kilometres northwest of Kluang. – Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR, 24 Ogos: Petronas Gas Bhd (PGB) mengesahkan semua infrastruktur dan kemudahan saluran paip gas di kawasan yang dilanda gempa bumi kecil berhampiran Segamat, Johor awal pagi tadi kekal selamat sepenuhnya dan beroperasi seperti biasa.
“Sejurus menerima makluman mengenai gegaran itu, pasukan teknikal dan wilayah kami segera melaksanakan protokol keselamatan standard yang sedia ada bagi menghadapi kejadian seumpama ini di seluruh wilayah selatan,” kata syarikat minyak dan gas itu dalam satu kenyataan hari ini.
Sebagai sebahagian daripada prosedur yang ditetapkan, PGB berkata pemeriksaan telah dijalankan di Stesen Pemampat Segamat, Stesen Kawalan Segamat dan di sepanjang laluan saluran paip yang berkaitan.
Sehubungan itu, tiada sebarang kelainan atau gangguan dikesan katanya.
“Pemantauan secara langsung melalui sistem kawalan penyeliaan dan pemerolehan data (Scada) kami juga mengesahkan tahap tekanan dan parameter operasi kekal stabil,” katanya.
PGB berkata pihaknya mengekalkan komunikasi aktif dengan pihak-pihak berkuasa tempatan yang berkaitan dan Jabatan Meteorologi Malaysia (MetMalaysia) bagi mendapatkan maklumat terkini secara berterusan.
“Kami akan terus mengutamakan keselamatan orang awam dan operasi kami sambil melaksanakan pemantauan yang rapi dan bersiap sedia untuk bertindak sekiranya keadaan berubah,” tambahnya.
MetMalaysia dalam satu kenyataan berkata berlakunya gegaran gempa bumi lemah bermagnitud 4.1 di Segamat, Johor pada 6.13 pagi tadi dan turut dirasai penduduk di Melaka, Negeri Sembilan dan selatan Pahang. -TVS
JOHOR BAHRU: The Malaysian Meteorological Department has advised the public to remain calm following a low-magnitude earthquake that struck Johor today.
Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip stated that the department would continuously monitor the situation and provide updated information.
“Information can be obtained on our official website, the myCuaca app and social media channels, and queries can be made through the hotline 1300-22-1638,” he said in a statement today.
He confirmed that a 2.8 magnitude earthquake occurred at 9 am in the Yong Peng area near Batu Pahat district.
The seismic event was located approximately 28 kilometres northwest of Kluang according to department analysis.
MetMalaysia’s investigation revealed that two separate earthquakes had occurred in the region.
The first earthquake measured 4.1 magnitude and struck Segamat at 6.13 am this morning.
The second earthquake originated from the Mersing Fault Zone area as confirmed by seismic monitoring.
Tremors from these events were felt in certain areas around Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and southern Pahang.
Indonesian meteorological authorities also detected the seismic activity through their monitoring systems.
The department continues to assure residents that these were low-magnitude events requiring vigilance but not alarm.
Regular updates will be provided through all official MetMalaysia communication channels as monitoring continues. – Bernama
SEGAMAT: Worshippers at Surau Kampung Sanglang in Buloh Kasap experienced a tense start to their day when a tremor struck during dawn prayers, causing a section of the ceiling cornice to fall.
The quake hit just as the congregation was reciting the final sitting (tahiyat akhir), said surau imam Saniman Abdul Samad, 63.
“It happened so suddenly, a loud bang, then shaking. Thankfully, no one was hurt. It’s my first time experiencing an earthquake,” he said.
Residents in nearby areas also felt the tremor, describing it as stronger than previous incidents.
Ahmad Asri Talib, 52, from Taman Pawana in Kampung Tengah, said he felt the jolt around 6.15 am.
“There was a loud boom, then the whole house shook. Doors, windows, everything rattled. My sliding door felt like it had been kicked,” he said.
“People were shouting outside. It only lasted maybe 20 seconds, but it was intense,” he said.
Recalling similar tremors last August, he said a check with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed a 4.1-magnitude quake struck Segamat at 6.13 am.
Ahmad Asri said he felt a second tremor around 9 am while having breakfast in Pekan Jabi, and called for authorities to install earthquake detection equipment in Segamat for early warning purposes.
MetMalaysia later confirmed a second, weaker quake at a magnitude of 2.8 had occurred in Yong Peng, about 28 kilometres northwest of Kluang. – Bernama
JOHOR BARU: The Segamat police have received three reports on property damage due to the earthquake that hit the town on Sunday (Aug 24) morning.
However, Segamat OCPD Supt Ahmad Zamry Marinsah said there was no report involving injuries or casualties received.
"Monitoring will be continued to ensure Segamat is safe, especially concerning security and public order," he said in a statement on Sunday.
He advised the public to report any emergency incident to the nearest police station or the Segamat district police headquarters at 07-932c422.
Two tremors were detected on Sunday, the first a 4.1-magnitude quake in Segamat at 6.13am, and the second a 2.8-magnitude quake at 9am in the Yong Peng area near Batu Pahat, about 28km northwest of Kluang, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department. – MetMalaysia