Sumatra quake tremors: Hairline cracks found, but buildings in Negri safe so far

SEREMBAN: Hairline cracks were found at two buildings here following tremors caused by an earthquake in western Sumatra earlier Friday (Feb 25).

State Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (operations) Zamhuri Zainnordin said tiny cracks were found on the eighth floor of a private hospital here, and on the first floor of a government complex in Port Dickson.

"We conducted checks at several highrise buildings and a school in Kuala Pilah where the tremors were felt, and these structures have been certified safe," he said.

Zamhuri added among the buildings inspected by his department included Wisma Persekutuan, Wisma Negri, Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, state police contingent headquarters, Zurich Insurance, Immigration Academy in Port Dickson, SK Senaling in Kuala Pilah, the Port Dickson Land and District complex, and the Rembau police headquarters.

He said his department did not receive any reports of injuries.

Several buildings such as Wisma Negri, Wisma Persekutuan and the Port Dickson Land and District Complex had to be temporarily evacuated after the tremors were felt.

However, occupants were allowed to reenter the buildings after these were inspected by personnel from several agencies.