Kuala lumpur: The cracks that have appeared on a farm in Jalan Buloh Kasap, Batu 2, have yet to be confirmed as being linked to the weak earthquakes recorded in the district between August 24 and 30.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Johor Mineral and Geoscience Department (JMG) director Noorazhar Ngatimin stated that while the cracks were likely caused by tremors, this could not be confirmed due to the area's soft soil layers. He explained that a resistivity test was conducted to obtain subsurface data on rock profiles and layers, as well as to detect the presence of cracks. However, the brief study carried out involved only 2D profiling, which could detect depths of 30 to 35 meters, whereas earthquake studies typically require depths up to 800 meters.

Noorazhar mentioned that the initial inspection detected traces of cracks below the surface, but there was no evidence of cracks occurring in the hard rock layer underground. The department has not yet analyzed the tremors or made any estimate regarding the possibility of follow-up incidents after the series of tremors last week. He also noted that the surface cracks might be caused by extremely hot and dry weather, though such cracks usually do not extend into the subsurface area.

He further explained that Johor is equipped with six seismometers that record tremor readings, located in Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Kota Tinggi, and Mersing. However, weak tremors are challenging to detect as the instruments only register tremors of magnitude 4 and above, and even heavy vehicles passing on roads can trigger readings.

On August 31, Noorazhar and several JMG officers visited and inspected a resident's home in Batu 2, Jalan Buloh Kasap, following the appearance of cracks after a weak earthquake last week.