Kuala lumpur: The federal government has approved an allocation of RM3 million for the construction of two additional seismology stations in Johor to enhance the state's earthquake monitoring system. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced the initiative, stating that the new stations would complement the six existing ones, which are set to be upgraded for improved early tremor detection in high-risk areas.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative is part of the state government's medium-term efforts in collaboration with the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG), the National Disaster Management Agency, and the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). The goal is to enhance scientific monitoring and analysis in the affected zones. Datuk Onn Hafiz extended appreciation to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for the allocation approval during a State Legislative Assembly sitting.
Furthermore, Johor JMG is conducting land and building assessments in earthquake epicentre areas to better identify risk levels and ensure resident safety. Minor earthquakes were recorded in Segamat and Batu Pahat starting August 24, with a magnitude of 4.1, followed by seven aftershocks between August 27 and September 3, measuring between 2.5 and 3.4 in magnitude.
Onn Hafiz also mentioned the state government's efforts to enhance preparedness through continuous studies on fault lines and earthquake impacts, conducted by JMG, MetMalaysia, and public universities. The findings will be presented to the State Disaster Management Committee. He emphasized that all new developments must adhere to the Malaysia National Annex to Eurocode 8 standards for earthquake-resistant structures.
Additionally, vulnerability assessments of existing critical infrastructure such as hospitals, dams, data centres, and other strategic facilities are planned. Guidelines for the safety of buildings and strategic infrastructure in high-risk areas are being developed, and seismic risk mapping will be continuously updated using fault movement data and modern technologies, including artificial intelligence.