Johor: A series of minor earthquakes that have struck Johor since Sunday has highlighted the urgent need to intensify remapping and monitoring of active and ancient fault lines in Peninsular Malaysia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Rabieahtul Abu Bakar, Disaster Management Programme coordinator and senior lecturer at ELMU University, emphasized the necessity of focusing on the Mersing Fault as well as ancient fault lines such as Bukit Tinggi, Bentong-Raub, and Kenyir. She advocated for the use of advanced technologies like 3D mapping and micro-seismic zonation to assess the actual risk levels in affected areas.
'A high-density seismometer network, along with GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) and InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar), should be deployed to detect micro-deformation in the earth's crust, particularly for urban microzonation, as recommended by seismic experts,' she stated. Additionally, Dr Rabieahtul stressed the importance of updating the national seismic hazard map and building design parameters, including revising peak ground acceleration (PGA) values based on past incidents.
The lecturer highlighted the need for building structures to align with the Malaysian adaptation of Eurocode 8 (MS EN 1998), especially following the 2015 Ranau earthquake. She urged for critical structural audits, particularly of schools, hospitals, mosques, and bridges, to determine the necessity for strengthening or retrofitting works.
Dr Rabieahtul also suggested the development of a free-broadcast early warning system, which would include sirens at potential quake-prone sites identified through geospatial mapping. She emphasized the importance of a rapid notification system to provide timely alerts to the public.
Citing data from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), she pointed out that every USD1 invested in disaster risk reduction and preparedness could potentially save up to USD15 in post-disaster recovery costs. She called for Malaysia to embrace a proactive approach in disaster preparedness to mitigate future risks.
Dr Rabieahtul advised parents to familiarize themselves with evacuation sites and educate their children on safety measures like covering their heads, avoiding lifts, and having a prepared emergency kit. She encouraged schools to integrate disaster preparedness education and conduct effective evacuation drills.
She explained the importance of the 'Drop, Cover, Hold On' safety procedure, urging the public to drop down, take cover under a sturdy table, and hold on until the shaking ceases. She also advised exiting calmly, avoiding lifts, and steering clear of cracked walls or ceilings after a tremor.
Earlier today, a minor earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale was detected in Segamat, marking the fourth such incident recorded in the district this week. Segamat had previously recorded three minor earthquakes on August 24, 27, and 28, with magnitudes ranging between 2.5 and 4.1.