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Malaysia remains safe from earthquake threats, says expert
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Disasters & Emergencies

Malaysia remains safe from earthquake threats, says expert

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Malaysia is safe from earthquake threats, including structural damage, due to generally low-intensity seismic activity that does not harm property or lives.
  • The country sits on the less tectonically active Sunda plate, meaning its seismic conditions are unlikely to change significantly.
  • While large earthquakes elsewhere can cause buildings in Malaysia to sway, existing construction standards are sufficient for safety, with public education and self-prevention being adequate preparedness measures.

Malaysia is not at risk of significant earthquake damage, according to experts. The nation's location on the Sunda tectonic plate, which has less active seismic movement compared to plate boundaries, ensures its safety. Even strong tremors from earthquakes in Sumatra do not cause structural damage to buildings in Malaysia, thanks to current construction standards.

Malaysia is still safe from any earthquake threats, including impacts on structural building damage.

— Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim KomooExplaining Malaysia's safety from earthquake threats.

Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim Komoo, from the Malaysian National Professor's Academy, stated that Malaysia does not require special policies or infrastructure to face earthquake risks. He explained that the country's tectonic conditions have remained stable and are expected to continue doing so. While sophisticated measuring tools and increased public awareness make earthquakes feel more present, they do not pose a serious threat.

Malaysia is on the Sunda tectonic plate, which has less active tectonic activity compared to areas along tectonic plate boundaries.

— Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim KomooDescribing Malaysia's geological location and its implications for seismic activity.

"Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon, occurring with varying intensity in different locations," Ibrahim noted. "For instance, along tectonic plate boundaries like in Sumatra, the Java Islands, the Philippines, and Japan. Malaysia, especially the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, feels the effects of earthquakes in Sumatra. If a large earthquake occurs, tall buildings in Penang and Kuala Lumpur can sway."

Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon, occurring with varying intensity in different locations. For instance, along tectonic plate boundaries like in Sumatra, the Java Islands, the Philippines, and Japan. Malaysia, especially the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, feels the effects of earthquakes in Sumatra. If a large earthquake occurs, tall buildings in Penang and Kuala Lumpur can sway.

— Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim KomooIllustrating the nature of earthquakes and their impact on Malaysia.

He added that existing building standards are sufficient for safety. Public education and self-prevention are adequate for community preparedness without needing large-scale measures. However, Sabah, particularly Ranau and Tawau, requires a different approach due to specific risks, manageable through good land-use planning. In these areas, moderate earthquakes are possible, but with proper education and land management, they are not a cause for major concern.

Therefore, with the existing building construction standards, Malaysia is still safe from earthquake threats.

— Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Ibrahim KomooReaffirming the safety of Malaysian buildings against earthquake impacts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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