Gempa Bumi Di Segamat Are We Really Safe From Earthquakes

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Remember those childhood stories about Malaysia being a safe haven from natural disasters? We were taught that our country was a blessed land, sitting just outside the Pacific Ring of Fire. For years, this belief held firm, a comforting shield against the world's seismic chaos. But what if that story is changing? What if the ground beneath our feet is starting to whisper


Recently, the "Keluar Sekejap" podcast, hosted by KJ and Shahril Hamdan, featured a crucial conversation with earthquake expert Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Noor Sheena Herayani Harith from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS). The discussion was not just about the recent tremors in Segamat, Johor, but a deeper look into a reality many Malaysians are only now waking up to

A Shifting Narrative: From Protected to Prepared
The conversation started with a powerful recollection from Shahril, who described the terrifying experience of a magnitude 5.5 earthquake in Japan. It was a chilling reminder that while the shakes may last less than a minute, they can feel like an eternity, forcing you to confront the worst-case scenarios

This sets the stage for a critical question: is Malaysia truly safe

Dr. Sheena, a specialist in seismic engineering, challenged the long-held belief that Malaysia is outside the Ring of Fire. Citing a 2011 Britannica Encyclopedia report, she revealed that Malaysia is, in fact, included in this seismic zone. This isn't about being alarmist; it's about being realistic. The recent earthquakes in Segamat (magnitude 3.2 and 4.1) and Yong Peng, along with the devastating 6.0 magnitude quake in Ranau in 2015, are not isolated incidents but signs of increasing seismic activity

These aren't just vibrations from a distance, like the 2004 Aceh earthquake that shook the country. Dr. Sheena confirmed that Malaysia has its own active fault lines, the sources of these local tremors. The existence of these 'fault lines' means we have to re-evaluate our position and, more importantly, our preparedness

Building a Safer Tomorrow: The Malaysian Annex Standard
For years, Malaysian buildings were designed based on British Standards, which didn't account for significant seismic loads. This was a logical approach when we believed we were "safe." However, the 2015 Ranau earthquake was a wake-up call, prompting a change in how we build

This is where Dr. Sheena's incredible work comes in. She and her team were instrumental in developing the Malaysian National Annex, a new standard for earthquake-resistant building design, published in 2016. This isn't just an arbitrary set of rules; it's a transformative step

Think of it like this: if the old standard was a small umbrella, the new Malaysian Annex is a sturdy, reinforced shelter. It's based on the robust Eurocode but tailored specifically to Malaysia's geological data. This new standard requires new buildings, especially skyscrapers like Merdeka 118, to be designed to withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake. This is a massive leap in safety and a huge source of comfort for anyone who's ever looked up at our towering cityscapes

But what about the older buildings? The ones built before 2016? Dr. Sheena mentioned a concept called "retrofitting". It’s like giving an old building a targeted 'health boost' by reinforcing critical areas like beams and columns with additional steel or concrete. While there is currently no law making this mandatory, it is a crucial, cost-effective solution to strengthen our existing infrastructure

From Drills to Daily Life: Cultivating a Culture of Preparedness
Beyond the steel and concrete, the most important takeaway from the podcast is the need for public awareness and preparedness. The difference between a minor inconvenience and a major tragedy often lies in knowledge

Dr. Sheena highlighted the need to adopt a "preparedness culture" similar to Japan's, where earthquake drills are a regular occurrence in schools and communities. While we might not face daily quakes, knowing what to do can save lives

She shared the three essential steps to take during a seismic event:Drop: Drop to the ground to avoid falling over.Cover: Seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk.Hold On: Hold on to your cover until the shaking stops.These simple, yet effective, steps are easy to remember and can be the difference between injury and safety. It's about proactive action, not reactive panic

The recent quakes in Johor should be a catalyst for change. They are a wake-up call, reminding us that we cannot wait for tragedy to strike before we act. With experts like Dr. Sheena leading the way, we have the knowledge and the tools to build a safer future. It's a journey from complacency to consciousness, and it starts with each of us

The conversation made it clear: we are not as protected as we once thought, but we have the power to be incredibly prepared. Let's make that our new story

P/S: Bila dah terhantuk baru nak terngadah, kan?

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