Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) is set to enhance the Malaysian Tsunami Early Warning System (SAATNM) for quicker earthquake and tsunami alert dissemination, as revealed to the Dewan Rakyat.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Acting Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stated that the current system issues warnings within eight minutes of detection. The upgrade aims to reduce this time to six minutes by 2026, enhancing the country's preparedness for seismic events. This announcement was made in response to a query from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (MUDA-Muar) during a parliamentary question-and-answer session.
Johari, who also serves as the Plantations and Commodities Minister, emphasized that the SAATNM operates continuously under the management of the National Earthquake and Tsunami Operations Centre. The system is supported by 80 seismic stations across the country and 323 international stations, providing real-time data collaboration.
Furthermore, MetMalaysia collaborates with key international bodies, such as the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC), South China Sea Tsunami Advisory Centre (SCSTAC), and Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS), to ensure precise and dependable warnings.
Addressing a supplementary question from Syed Saddiq on updating action plans in accordance with the latest earthquake risk data, Johari mentioned the Malaysian National Annex to Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance. This guideline aids developers and local authorities in ensuring that constructions, particularly in earthquake-prone zones, adhere to established standards.
Identified hotspots include Ranau and Lahad Datu in Sabah; Niah in Sarawak; Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik in Pahang; Batang Kali in Selangor; Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan; Kenyir in Terengganu; Manjung and Temenggor in Perak; and Mersing, Batu Pahat, and Segamat in Johor. Developers must verify if their project site is a hotspot and comply with the guidelines, with local authorities providing advisory roles on construction specifications.