CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDINGS IN EARTHQUAKE-PRONE AREAS EXPECTED TO SEE COST INCREASE -- AHMAD MASLAN

By Nur Fatin Mohmad Kadenen

PONTIAN, March 7 (Bernama) -- The Public Works Ministry (KKR) expects the cost of constructing buildings in areas with earthquake risks to increase due to construction factors and methods, as well as structural specifications that must be more resilient to such disasters.

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Maslan said that any development project in areas listed in the Malaysia Seismic Hazard Zone Map must follow the established guidelines to ensure the safety of building structures.

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“These costs will increase due to different construction methods, including measurements, cement ratios, steel reinforcement, and so on, to ensure the structures are resistant to earthquakes,” he said in an interview with Bernama here today.

He said earthquake risk factors must be considered in building planning and construction to ensure public safety and noted that several earthquakes that occurred last year in the Segamat district caused minor cracks at Segamat Hospital.

Ahmad, who is also Pontian MP, also said the construction of a new additional building at Pontian Hospital will incorporate a design that takes earthquake resistance into account.

He said construction costs are still expected to rise due to earthquake-related considerations, as well as the hospital’s location near the sea, even though earthquakes have not occurred in the Pontian district before.

A total of 15 government buildings were identified as having suffered minor damage, with an estimated repair cost of RM550,000, following weak earthquakes that struck the Segamat district from Aug 24 to 30 last year.

-- BERNAMA