Ahmad Maslan wants Segamat placed on seismic hazard map

SEGAMAT: Segamat should be included in the national seismic hazard map to ensure future buildings meet safety standards, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said today.

He said the recent series of tremors in the district highlighted the urgent need for the Mineral and Geoscience Department and Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) to revise hazard zoning.

“Any area listed in the seismic hazard map requires stronger construction specifications such as larger concrete structures to withstand tremors.

“Segamat is not yet included in this map, and this gap must be addressed,” he said after chairing a post-quake briefing at the Segamat Public Works Department (PWD).

Ahmad also said that under the 12th Malaysia Plan, government buildings and bridges had already been designed with seismic considerations, but zoning updates were necessary to extend protection to areas like Segamat.

He added that PWD would continue working with agencies to safeguard the public from disasters, including floods and earthquakes, while MetMalaysia was urged to install seismometers in high-risk areas.

From Aug 24 to 31, seven weak earthquakes, ranging from 2.5 to 4.1 in magnitude, rattled Segamat and surrounding areas in northern Johor.

Meanwhile, another weak earthquake measuring 2.9 magnitude struck Sri Medan in Parit Sulong in Batu Pahat on Sept 3.

The last known tremor in Johor prior to this series occurred in 1922.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

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