After Johor quake, experts warn of landslide risk and urge new building standards

SHAH ALAM – Structural and engineering experts have called for Malaysia to take earthquake preparedness more seriously by enforcing earthquake-resistant design standards in new buildings and reinforcing existing structures in high-risk areas.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam senior lecturer Dr Muhammad Azwan Sulaiman said that most buildings in Malaysia were not designed to withstand strong tremors as the country has long been considered low risk.

He suggested that a new approach is needed in building design to prepare for future seismic threats.

“New building designs must include earthquake-resistant elements, at least for high-risk areas and critical buildings such as hospitals, dams and schools.

"As for existing buildings located near fault lines, inspections are necessary. If the structures are not strong enough, strengthening or retrofitting works should be carried out to improve safety.

"The use of materials and designs that can absorb vibrations, such as base isolation systems for major projects, should be considered,” he told Sinar.

Azwan was commenting after an earthquake struck Segamat, Johor, recently, raising concerns about the country’s readiness for stronger tremors.

Echoing his view, earthquake engineering expert Dr Azlan Adnan said that Peninsular Malaysia could experience stronger tremors if old fault lines become active again.

He said that identified active fault lines include Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan, Manjung and Temenggor in Perak, as well as Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu.

While Malaysia is not situated in a major earthquake zone, Azwan stressed that precautionary measures must not be taken lightly.

“Minor tremors have already occurred several times, so preparation steps are important. The first recommendation is through a mapping process of high-risk areas. This is crucial so that advice and information for any new development can prevent building directly on fault lines,” Azwan said.

Unitar International University Vice Chancellor and Professional Engineer Tan Sri Dr Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar also urged the country to take the threat of stronger and more frequent tremors seriously.

He warned that earthquakes in highland areas could trigger large-scale landslides and proposed preventive measures.

“The risk of soil slippage in highland areas must also be managed more effectively through better planning and geotechnical analysis to ensure that hills, slopes and dams are regularly inspected to detect cracks or ground movement. Another aspect is slope reinforcement.

"This is important so that high-risk slopes can be strengthened through good drainage and solid retaining systems,” he said.