Johor Earthquakes Malaysia Needs A Stronger Culture Of National Preparedness That Leaves No Community Behind

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THE government must urgently clarify key safety issues that remain a source of public anxiety since the first earthquake in Segamat on Aug 24, said Jementah state assemblywoman Ng Kor Sim.
Ng said during a dialogue with senior government officials and multiple agencies on Sept 3 in Segamat, she had raised these matters directly, but was deeply concerned that many of the responses given by the bureaucrats were “vague and non-committal”.
“This does not inspire confidence, and it certainly does not calm the worries of Jementah residents and elsewhere who continue to live with uncertainty,” she remarked, adding that at a time when clarity is most needed, the people should not be content with incomplete or evasive answers.
“For example, when I asked about public disaster drills, officials mentioned only that one might be conducted in October.
“There was no information on which agencies would lead it, where it would be held, or whether it would be continuous in the future.”
Since the first 4.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Segamat at 6.13am on Sunday (Aug 24), seven other tremors have been reported in Johor with the latest being a 2.9-magnitude one that struck Sri Medan in Parit Sulong on Wednesday (Sept 3).
On the question of school safety, Ng went on to note that 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, there was no assurance that gas pipeline maps or infrastructure schematics had been submitted to the relevant rescue units. These are basic questions that the public has every right to expect firm answers to,” she stated.
“Preparedness must extend beyond technicalities. Schools and mosques are at the heart of community life. Their safety must be guaranteed, not assumed.
“Hospitals must also be assessed for their capacity to handle a sudden surge in casualties if disaster strikes.”
Stressing that Malaysia should not take for granted that it is free from natural disasters, Ng pointed out that the recent earthquake showed how quickly fear and confusion can spread, and how crucial it is to have systems in place that protect and assure the people.

“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,” she warned.
“We need clear protocols, transparent communication, and visible action that demonstrate the government’s seriousness in safeguarding the public.
By addressing these gaps without delay, the government can begin to restore confidence. Failing to do so will only deepen the sense of unease among communities that have already experienced the tremors of uncertainty.” ‒  Focus Malaysia

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