Johor unveils disaster plan after minor quakes in Segamat, Batu Pahat

ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government has unveiled a phased disaster preparedness plan following a series of minor earthquakes that recently shook Segamat and Batu Pahat.

The state recorded a 4.1-magnitude tremor on Aug 24, followed by seven aftershocks of between 2.5 and 3.4 magnitude until Sept 3. No injuries were reported, although 62 homes, two suraus, and nine government buildings sustained minor damage.

Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said technical checks by the Public Works Department and local authorities confirmed the buildings were safe. Facilities owned by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad, Petronas, Tenaga Nasional Berhad, SAJ Ranhill, and the Johor Water Regulatory Body were also unaffected.

“Even though these tremors were weak, they are a reminder that Johor is not immune to geological challenges. We must be ready for any eventuality,” Onn Hafiz said during the Second Meeting of the Fourth Session of the 15th Johor state assembly.

To support affected families, the state will provide up to RM3,000 in aid to 62 households in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency (Nadma).

Onn Hafiz said Johor has activated a multi-phase action plan. Immediate steps include round-the-clock disaster control rooms, public awareness campaigns, and a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for earthquake response. Community-based disaster training is also being expanded to schools and local communities.

Medium-term measures include soil and building risk studies in quake zones, upgrading six existing seismology stations, and building two new “weak motion” stations with RM3 million in federal funding.

For the long term, Johor will adopt earthquake-resilient building standards, carry out vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure such as hospitals, dams, and data centres, and integrate modern technology, including artificial intelligence, into seismic mapping.

“These small quakes are a wake-up call. Johor’s progress must come with safety and resilience,” Onn Hafiz said.

The issue was raised by eight assemblymen from Pemanis, Tiram, Sungai Balang, Skudai, Simpang Jeram, Johor Jaya, Jementah, and Bukit Batu, who sought assurance on state preparedness, investor confidence, and the protection of critical facilities.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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