Incomplete Evasive Rep Grills Officials On Quake Preparation

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A DAP lawmaker has expressed dismay over the apparently lacklustre attitude adopted by government representatives over the recent series of earthquakes in Johor.
Jementah assemblyperson Ng Kor Sim, whose constituency was among those affected by the tremors, said she is “deeply concerned” over the “vague and non-committal” responses given by senior government officials and multiple agencies to “basic questions”.
She claimed that when asked about public disaster drills during a dialogue session on Sept 3, officials only mentioned that one might be conducted in October.
There was allegedly no explanation on which agencies would be handling such programmes, where they would be held, or whether they would be continuous in the future.
ADSSimilarly, on the question of school safety, Ng (above) said the reply was that five schools had reported minor damage, but no confirmation was given that all school buildings had been inspected.
On critical infrastructure, she said there was no assurance that gas pipeline maps or infrastructure schematics had been submitted to the relevant rescue units.
Earthquake location on Aug 29“(The responses) do not inspire confidence, and it certainly does not calm the worries of Jementah residents and elsewhere who continue to live with uncertainty.
“At a time when clarity is most needed, we should not be content with incomplete or evasive answers,” Ng said in a statement today.
Stressing that preparedness should extend beyond technicalities, she said the safety of critical public infrastructures - including schools, mosques, and hospitals - must be guaranteed, not assumed.
Culture of preparedness needed
Ng also cautioned that Malaysia should not take for granted that it is free from natural disasters, pointing out that the recent quakes have shown how important it is to have systems in place that protect people and reassure them.
“This is not just about Jementah alone. The recent quake is a reminder that Malaysia needs a stronger culture of national preparedness that leaves no community behind.
Earthquake location on Aug 24“We need clear protocols, transparent communication, and visible action that demonstrate the government’s seriousness in safeguarding the public,” she added.
She emphasised that by addressing any gaps without delay, the government can begin to restore confidence among the public.
Failing to do so, she warned, will only deepen the sense of unease among communities that have already experienced the tremors.
Most recently, on Sept 3, a minor earthquake with a 2.9 magnitude struck Sri Medan in Parit Sulong, Johor, marking the eighth tremor since the first in Segamat on Aug 24.
After the initial 4.1 magnitude quake, one was recorded on Aug 27 with a 3.2 magnitude, followed by one on Aug 28 (2.5), Aug 29 (3.4), Aug 30 (2.7), and Aug 31 (2.9). - Mkini

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