Tectonic pressure from neighbours could cause local earthquakes in Malaysia, expert warns

SHAH ALAM – Despite its position on the Sunda Plate, which is generally considered geologically stable, Malaysia remains under the continuing influence of tectonic pressure originating from neighbouring countries.

According to Dr Harry Telajan Linang, a senior lecturer in Seismology at Universiti Malaya’s Department of Geology, most of this tectonic stress stems from Indonesia’s western regions, specifically the Sumatra Subduction Zone (SSZ) and the Great Sumatran Fault Zone (SFZ).

He added that these zones have been persistently impacting the Earth’s crust beneath Malaysian territory.

Harry also cited that such pressure has been accumulating for centuries along pre-existing zones of weakness in the crust, such as ancient fault lines.

"If the accumulated stress exceeds the friction locking these faults, it can lead to the reactivation of ancient fault lines, which in turn may result in local earthquakes.

"Although Malaysia is located on a tectonically stable plate, it does not mean we are exempt from the seismic effects of activity in nearby regions. This external pressure could be a driving force behind the possible reactivation of ancient faults within Peninsular Malaysia," he told Sinar.

Harry’s remarks were made in response to a recent statement by Johor Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) director Noorazhar Ngatimin, who highlighted that the earthquake in Segamat served as a reminder of the latent tectonic stress within Peninsular Malaysia’s continental crust, which could be released without warning.

With ongoing research in earthquake seismology and tectonics, he pointed out that paleoseismic studies conducted by other experts have already demonstrated the capability of local fault lines to produce strong seismic events.

"Even though the probability of such an event is quite low, the associated risks should not be underestimated in national seismic assessments, particularly given the potential impact on structural safety, critical infrastructure and public wellbeing," he added.

When asked whether Peninsular Malaysia might experience more frequent earthquakes in the future, Harry responded that there was currently no definitive evidence suggesting an increase in frequency.

He also emphasised that Malaysia’s proximity to active seismic regions, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, meant that the country remained under constant tectonic influence.

"The earthquake in Johor serves as an important reminder of the need to re-evaluate seismic threats and associated risks across the country," he said.