Mohd Haffiz says MBJB must emulate Japan in factoring earthquakes in technical considerations for buildings and bridges.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) is ramping up its efforts to protect citizens from a wide range of natural disasters, from tremors to flash floods.
These proactive measures include a comprehensive study on building safety and expansion of its flood-warning mobile app.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the study would reassess the safety of existing buildings in light of the series of mild quakes in Segamat and Batu Pahat.
“We are reminded that no land area is completely safe from natural disasters, so this study must be conducted to revise existing building standards and safety levels.
“Relevant agencies including Public Works Department (JKR) and developers must factor in earthquakes before approving any development plans,” he said after chairing MBJB’s full board meeting.
He added that the study, led by MBJB’s building control department, would involve experts from JKR, Fire and Rescue Department, Meteorological Department, Minerals and Geoscience Department, National Disaster Management Agency and education institutions.
“This initiative is an additional measure to ensure our preparedness in the face of disasters while reducing the risk of property damage, injuries and loss of lives.
“New developments in the city have already taken safety aspects into account.
“We must emulate practices in Japan which factor in earthquakes as technical considerations for buildings and bridges.”
On Aug 24, a 4.1-magnitude quake struck Segamat, followed by several aftershocks including one measuring 3.5 in Batu Pahat on Sept 27.
Separately, Mohd Haffiz said MBJB had allocated RM17.1mil this year for flood mitigation projects across the city.
“We have completed projects at 18 flood hotspots, while five are underway,” he said.
Works include upgrading drains, pumps and floodgates, building retention ponds and desilting rivers.
He said the effort was in preparation for the north-east monsoon expected from mid-November to March, when heavy rainfall was expected.
The city council has prepared 23 vehicles, gazetted seven community halls as temporary evacuation centres, and mobilised 158 personnel to immediately respond to reports of flash floods, clogged drains, fallen trees and other emergencies, he said.
Mohd Haffiz pointed out that MBJB was also expanding its Saifon smartphone app which issues early flood warnings.
Launched in 2023, the system currently monitors two river basins, namely Lembangan Sungai Chat and Lembangan Abdul Samad.
“The system is connected to 10 solar-powered stations with closed-circuit TV cameras, real-time water level data and sirens that trigger when rivers rise to risky levels.
“So far, 250 residents in the city have downloaded the app and we have plans to roll it out to more areas in stages,” he said.
