IPOH: There was no indication of an earthquake or tremor when a loud boom was heard here a few days ago, says Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
He added that no seismic activity was detected in the state.
Saarani called for the matter to be studied by relevant technical departments or geological experts, as current monitoring systems have not confirmed any earthquakes or ground tremors in Malaysia.
“We have yet to know what exactly is happening, but I hope the public does not panic.
“So far, there has been no detection of any earthquake or tremor,” he said.
He acknowledged that strange vibrations were felt in Ipoh and surrounding areas, drawing comparisons to a similar unexplained incident in 2024.
“Last year, people in Taiping, Kuala Kangsar and even Ipoh experienced what they described as an explosion-like tremor.
“The phenomenon, which has yet to be scientifically explained, was also reportedly felt in Selangor earlier this year,” he said after closing the National Training Week 2025 yesterday.
The loud bang, which occurred at around 10.30am on June 18, sparked concern among residents in Chemor, Chepor and Tanah Hitam.
On a separate matter, Saarani said the state government is proposing a major upgrade of the East-West Highway under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He said he forwarded this proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during an event in Lumut last Sunday.
“I took the opportunity to raise this matter and conveyed our concerns about the highway.
“We understand the Prime Minister mentioned that the cost for the upgrade would be very high. But at least the state government has registered our views,” he said.
Saarani added that discussions with the Public Works Department (JKR) on work to upgrade the highway is underway.
“Simply patching the road is no longer sufficient for the 40-year-old highway.
“The Federal Government, through JKR, should reassess the highway’s alignment and consider a full reconstruction, not just resurfacing.
“This is because the highway structure is outdated. Also, the underground layer was exposed in some of the damaged areas of the highway.
“Mere road patching jobs will no longer suffice,” he said.
