A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Segamat, Johor early in the morning, followed by a 2.8-magnitude aftershock in Yong Peng just four hours later. While the tremors were minor and did not cause significant damage, experts believe they carry a much deeper message — Malaysia may not be as safe from earthquakes as once believed.
Undiscovered Faults in Johor?
Dr. Mohamad Zamri, a seismologist from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), said that based on geological data, no faults had previously been identified in Segamat, although some records exist in Mersing. This incident may indicate the presence of an undiscovered active fault line in Johor.
He explained that the quake resulted from stress building up in rock layers over time, which eventually triggered fault movement. The vibrations reportedly traveled from northwest to southeast.
Although earthquakes are rare in Peninsular Malaysia, they are not unprecedented. Past events include quakes up to magnitude 4.6 in Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, and Perak. Still, official seismic maps classify Johor as a low-risk zone, and this recent quake is considered minor, posing no serious threat to residents or buildings.
A Warning Sign for the Future
Another UTM expert, Dr. Azlan Adnan, called the Segamat earthquake a “wake-up call” for Malaysia. He warned that while the country has long been regarded as safe, research suggests earthquakes of magnitude 5 to 6 could occur in the coming years.
“The Segamat quake shows that the peninsula still has stress that can be released, and that there are faults yet to be identified,” Dr. Azlan explained.
He also noted that Malaysia lies near the Sumatran subduction zone, where the Indian Ocean plate pushes beneath the Eurasian plate. This tectonic pressure occasionally causes tremors in Malaysia, especially along the west coast. Some scientists even consider Malaysia part of the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’, making small to medium earthquakes a geological reality.
Preparedness and Risk Management
Dr. Azlan stressed that while most local earthquakes in Malaysia remain below magnitude 5, they are still capable of damaging old or poorly built structures. Large quakes in nearby Sumatra (magnitude 7–8) could also generate moderate shaking across Peninsular Malaysia, affecting sensitive buildings.
To strengthen Malaysia’s resilience, he urged the government to:
- Expand the earthquake monitoring network with more strong-motion alert stations.
- Develop a ShakeMap system to generate real-time maps of ground shaking after quakes.
- Zone high-risk states like Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Malacca for stricter building regulations.
- Reinforce old buildings where cost-effective, especially masonry structures.
- Implement earthquake emergency SOPs, drills, and public awareness campaigns.
“We prepare for floods, fires, and storms, but earthquakes require different survival skills, such as the ‘Drop, Cover, Hold’ method — drop to the ground, protect your head, and hold on until shaking stops.”
Conclusion
The Segamat quake may not have caused major damage, but experts agree it is a reminder that Malaysia is not immune to earthquakes. While the risk remains low, the country must start preparing now — with better monitoring, stronger infrastructure, and proper emergency planning — to ensure resilience in the years ahead.
