PUTRAJAYA: Two community colleges in Segamat, Johor, have been granted approval to conduct online teaching and learning (PdP) sessions from today until Wednesday following the two weak earthquakes that struck the state yesterday.
The Higher Education Ministry’s Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges said the institutions involved are Segamat Community College (KKS) and Segamat 2 Community College (KKS2).
The move was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of staff and students.
In a statement today, the department said checks by the Segamat Public Works Department (PWD) found minor cracks on the walls and in the inside of KKS. However, it said no damage to the building’s structure or beams was found during preliminary investigations.
“A more detailed forensic investigation of the building will be carried out soon with the involvement of the Johor Baru PWD,” the statement said.
The department said inspections were also conducted on KKS2, particularly on two hostel blocks housing about 200 students.
“Students have been instructed to return home to allow for further building inspections. However, office operations will continue as usual,” it added.
It was reported that two weak earthquakes hit Johor yesterday, with tremors felt in neighbouring states including Negri Sembilan, Melaka and southern Pahang.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the first quake, measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale, struck at 6.13am about 5km west of Segamat at a depth of 10km.
This was followed by a 2.8-magnitude aftershock at 9am, located 28km northwest of Kluang near Yong Peng, also at a depth of 10km.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
