Earthquake isolator is a Malaysian innovation

The rubber quake isolators in place on the Second Penang Bridge.

How many of us happen to know that our very own scientists are behind the creation of rubber bearings that protect buildings and bridges in many parts of the world? Not many, I am sure. Yes, behind these innovative creations are our scientists from the Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB), formerly known as the Rubber Research Institute of Malaysia (RRIM).

Besides the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Second Penang Bridge) and a few buildings in Malaysia, earthquake-prone countries like Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, China and Chile have incorporated these bearings as base isolation for quake protection.