PUTRAJAYA: Many buildings in Malaysia were built before 2016 and may not meet earthquake-resistant standards, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said.
“We have many buildings that were constructed before 2016. If an earthquake of a certain magnitude were to strike, they could collapse.
“Public safety is our top priority, and in this matter there can be no compromise,” he said.
Nga said the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) had, since 2016, required all new buildings to withstand earthquakes of magnitude 7 and above.
“Our country’s building safety is closely monitored by CIDB.
“According to its guidelines, all buildings constructed from 2016 onwards must comply with these standards. This applies to all multi-storey buildings, whether commercial or residential,” he said.
He added that under the present administration, all public housing projects — whether the People’s Housing Programme (PPR) or People’s Prosperity Housing (PRR) — must also achieve a Quality Assessment System in Construction (QLASSIC) score of 80 and above.
“That is a very high standard, and one we strictly enforce,” he said.
Earlier today, a minor tremor was reported in Johor at 4.24am, the latest in a series of seismic events in the Segamat area.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
