Malaysia’s seismic safety is a subject that demands nuanced attention. Just this Sunday morning (Aug 24 2025) an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.1 has struck Johor earth. The earthquake occurred at 6.13 am, according to a statement from the Meteorological Department. “Its epicentre was at 2.5° North and 102.8° East with a depth of 10km, 5km west of Segamat.
Traditionally regarded as a region largely free from significant earthquakes, Malaysia’s position on the stable Eurasian tectonic plate and absence of major fault lines gave rise to a sense of immunity.
Yet, recent research and historical data paint a more intricate picture, revealing tangible seismic risks, especially within Peninsular Malaysia and notably in Sabah. This evolving understanding calls for heightened vigilance, better preparedness, and adaptive strategies to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and public health.
The peninsula’s lower threat level has long been accepted, with minor tremors recorded sporadically over the years. Abd Rasid Jaapar, president of the Institute of Geology Malaysia, previously emphasises that while Peninsular Malaysia does not face a significant earthquake risk currently, it would be inaccurate to claim zero risk.
Notably, earthquakes are inherently unpredictable in both location and magnitude. Events such as the 3.8-magnitude quake recorded in Bukit Tinggi serve as reminders that seismic activity can occur even in seemingly stable regions. The underlying message is clear: caution is necessary, but panic unwarranted.
Sabah’s situation contrasts sharply due to its proximity to active seismic zones. The collision between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate, along with movements along local active faults, makes the state more vulnerable. Historical records show Sabah experienced earthquakes ranging from magnitudes 6.0 to 6.3 in 1923, 1958, 1976, and most recently in 2015—events with significant destructive potential. Sarawak also faced seismic activity, with a 5.3-magnitude earthquake recorded in 1994.
The unpredictability of seismic events was recently underscored by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar, followed by a 6.4-magnitude aftershock at shallow depth. The tremors extended their reach to cities across Southeast Asia including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City. Myanmar’s death toll surpassed 1,600, highlighting how devastating such natural disasters can be.
Peninsular Malaysia’s seismic record includes earthquakes centred in Bukit Tinggi (Pahang), Kenyir Dam (Terengganu), Kuala Pilah (Negri Sembilan), and Manjung and Temenggor (Perak). These events, measured between 1.6 and 4.6 in magnitude and occurring from 1984 through 2013, demonstrate that tremors are not merely theoretical but have practical implications for safety and infrastructure.
Malaysian disaster management agencies always on alert. The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART), under the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), conducts regular exercises particularly in Sabah’s high-risk zones such as Mount Kinabalu. SMART’s international recognition by the United Nations for expertise in collapsed-building rescues underscores its critical role in national preparedness.
Monitoring technologies enhance readiness. MetMalaysia operates a network of 80 seismic sensors nationwide, tasked with early detection of earthquake activity. Complementing this are 83 tsunami sirens installed in vulnerable coastal areas, capable of delivering public alerts within eight minutes post-detection—a vital timeframe for evacuation.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Centre Director Khamarrul Azahari Razak previously emphasised cross-sectoral coordination among rescue agencies and emergency services. Effective evacuation strategies and response coordination are essential to relocate large populations swiftly to safer locations. Since the deadly 2015 Sabah earthquake claimed 18 lives, ongoing disaster preparedness education has been intensified.
Building resilience is a cornerstone of mitigation. Over the past decade, nearly all new high-rise constructions in Malaysia incorporate earthquake-resistant designs using materials that comply with stringent standards. The government enforces these through the Malaysia National Annex to Eurocode 8, which outlines seismic design principles including the use of spring isolators—devices that isolate structures from ground movements, reducing stress on foundations during quakes.
Despite these measures, previous research presented at the 5th International Geotechnical Symposium challenges assumptions about Peninsular Malaysia’s immunity to earthquakes. Malaysia lies on the Eurasian Plate between the Australian Plate to the west and the Philippine Plate to the east, with active seismic zones located at least 350 km away—primarily across the Strait of Malacca and near Sumatra Island.
The colossal 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake (magnitude 9.1) and ensuing tsunami revealed far-reaching effects beyond immediate impact zones. Malaysia saw ground displacement pushing its landmass west-southwest, which altered stress regimes beneath Peninsular Malaysia’s crust. This has reactivated ancient faults once considered dormant.
Seismic activity affecting Peninsular Malaysia is broadly divided into two categories:
Far Field Earthquakes: These originate mainly from two Sumatran sources—the Sumatra Subduction Zone where the Indian Plate subducts beneath Sumatra at about 7 cm per year; and the Great Sumatran Fault, a strike-slip fault extending roughly 1,900 km along Sumatra’s length. Earthquakes from these zones have ranged from moderate magnitudes around 5.2 up to an immense 9.0 since 1984.
The Mentawai segment near Sumatra is especially concerning due to its potential rupture within coming decades. Such an event could generate ground motions affecting all of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
Near Field Earthquakes: More recently, seismicity within Peninsular Malaysia itself has increased slightly near faults such as the Bentong Fault Zone in central regions including Bukit Tinggi and Kuala Lumpur faults. These local tremors, mostly magnitudes 1 to 4 since about 2007, may be linked to stress redistribution after the 2004 megathrust event.
Although smaller in magnitude than far field quakes, their proximity raises concerns about damage potential as urban sprawl encroaches upon these fault lines.
Seismic hazard assessments estimate potential shaking intensity using historical data and tectonic models. Kuala Lumpur’s predicted peak ground acceleration ranges from approximately 80 gals to over 340 gals under some scenarios—accelerations above 100 gals can inflict light damage on inadequately built structures.
This emerging evidence carries considerable implications:
- Buildings constructed without seismic considerations risk unexpected damage.
- Older buildings may require retrofitting for enhanced earthquake resistance.
- Urban planning must integrate earthquake scenarios into disaster preparedness frameworks.
- Public education campaigns are essential for community awareness and readiness.
- Continuous monitoring of seismic activity and fault dynamics must be supported.
However, limitations remain as data on local fault behaviours is incomplete; ground response studies need expansion beyond established cities; integration of local and far field data could refine hazard maps; and early warning technologies require enhancement for timely alerts, according to the study.
Malaysia’s experience offers lessons relevant beyond its borders: distance from plate boundaries does not guarantee immunity from earthquakes or secondary hazards like tsunamis. Scientific understanding evolves continuously; preparedness must evolve alongside it.
The fundamental challenge lies not in eliminating risk but managing it intelligently—through informed policies, resilient infrastructure, robust emergency systems, and public awareness.
This evolving narrative invites we, Malaysians to reconsider our relationship with natural hazards pragmatically—not through fear but with informed caution and proactive resilience.
