JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 1 — The Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) will launch a citywide review of building safety standards to strengthen earthquake preparedness, following yet another tremor here last weekend.
JB Mayor Datuk Haffiz Ahmad said the initiative is crucial to ensure all buildings can better withstand and reduce the risk of serious damage in the event of unexpected seismic activity.
The move comes after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported a 3.5 magnitude earthquake in the waters off Batu Pahat on Saturday.
This tremor is the latest in a series of minor quakes in Johor since late August, which experts have linked to the Mersing Fault Zone.
“The city council takes such matters seriously. I have requested for MBJB’s building control department to initiate this study in collaboration with various relevant agencies,” Haffiz said during the full council meeting at Menara MBJB here today.
He said the study will involve collaborating with the Public Works Department (JKR), the Fire and Rescue Department, MetMalaysia, the Mineral and Geoscience Department, and experts from higher education institutions.
The reassessment will not only focus on large buildings but will also cover public facilities, business centres, educational institutions, and residential areas. The goal is to develop stronger technical guidelines for both existing structures and new projects, Haffiz added.
“The implementation of the proposed new standards will also take into account experience in managing seismic risks, in addition to being adapted to geographical conditions and local needs,” he said.
While Peninsular Malaysia is generally considered to be at low risk from seismic activity as it lies outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, the recent tremors have prompted authorities to take a proactive stance on disaster preparedness.
