Malaysia is generally safe, but not entirely free from quakes, say experts

IT is unlikely that Peninsular Malaysia will suffer any severe effects from earthquakes – unless a quake greater than 8.0 magnitude hits close to the peninsula.

An example of this would be the 9.2-magnitude Aceh earthquake in Indonesia in 2004, which triggered a tsunami and affected states like Penang and Kedah, says the Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM).

“The incident also triggered mild tremors of around 3.0-magnitude around Janda Baik, Pahang, and caused a few sinkholes in Kg Koboi, Gopeng, Perak,” the GSM says in an interview.

Nevertheless, it says Malaysia is located in a very stable part of Earth, which is outside the Ring of Fire.

The Ring of Fire is a region around the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes happen.

Malaysia is not part of the ring, but this does not mean we are not completely free from earthquakes either.

“There is a slight difference between states in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak, with Sabah being more susceptible to earthquakes,” says the GSM, adding that an earthquake occurred in Ranau, Sabah, in 2015.

Peninsular Malaysia, the society says, is considered a safe zone and experiences minimal impact from earthquakes that occur in Sumatra, Indonesia.

“Naturally-occurring earthquakes will trigger tremors from time to time, varying in magnitude and intensity,” it says.

Peninsular Malaysia is unlikely to experience severe effects from these incidents, unless an earthquake stronger than 8.0 in magnitude occurs in the neighbouring region, which may affect structures.

As for the recent 6.1-magnitude quake in Sumatra on Feb 25, the society describes it as “quite strong”, as ground surface waves were able to travel across the Straits of Malacca to Peninsular Malaysia.

“Most people around the western region, like in Selangor, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Negri Sembilan and Melaka felt the tremors, causing fear among residents in high-rise buildings.

“Earthquake waves travel very fast through a solid medium, namely the rocks in the subsurface, and are able to reach Malaysia in seconds,” the GSM explains.

On the strength of the tremors felt, it says this depends on the magnitude of the quake and the distance from an earthquake source, or epicentre, to the location of where you are.

“It also depends on the rocks or soil types you are standing on and the type of building you are in.

“You will feel stronger tremors if you are nearer to the source and if the earthquake is strong enough to travel the distance.

“People on higher floors in a building will also feel more vibrations.

“Nevertheless, the effects are very mild and does not involve any severe structural damage to infrastructure like buildings, bridges and dams,” the GSM adds.

Even though Malaysia is away from the earthquake zone, the society says Malaysia should improve its building codes and standards by including seismic safety elements in designs.

“It is highly recommended that certain PGA (peak ground acceleration) values be considered in the design stage for skyscrapers, dams, hillslope developments and underground caverns to ensure that they can adequately resist seismic forces during earthquakes,” it says.

The GSM says the importance of issuing proper warnings, alerts and advisories is a major concern for Malaysians.

“There should be more public awareness and education on this to avoid panic among the people when they feel the tremors.

“Malaysians should also be aware of the general safety ‘drop, cover and hold’ procedure during the jolts and how to protect themselves during quakes,” it adds.