SEISMIC MICROZONATION EQUIPMENT TO BE PROCURED NEXT YEAR TO AID EARTHQUAKE STUDIES

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Nov 13 (Bernama) -- The procurement of equipment for the classification of seismic microzonation maps in Segamat, involving an allocation of RM736,000, will begin early next year in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia).

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the equipment is crucial for conducting studies and data collection, including assessing the impact of tremors experienced in specific areas more accurately and comprehensively.

“This mobile seismic microzonation mapping equipment will allow us to study the resistance of soil and building structures to tremors following the recent earthquakes in Segamat.

“This initiative is vital to ensure that any potential tremors in the future can be identified through more in-depth studies and data,” he said when met after the tabling of the Johor Budget 2026 at Kota Iskandar here today.

Ling said the initiative is among the preliminary measures taken by the state government to strengthen disaster preparedness in view of the minor earthquakes in the district.

Earlier, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Ghazi, when tabling the Johor Budget 2026, announced the allocation for the equipment under the fifth thrust, focusing on disaster risk reduction efforts.

Since Aug 24, seven minor earthquakes have been recorded, with the first tremor detected in Segamat at a magnitude of 4.1, followed by a magnitude 2.8 tremor on the Richter scale on the same morning.

Subsequent tremors were recorded on Aug 27 (3.2), Aug 28 (2.5), Aug 29 (3.4), and Aug 30 (2.7), while the most recent was on Nov 3 at a magnitude of 2.7 on the Richter scale.

A total of 15 government buildings were found to have sustained minor damages, with estimated repair costs amounting to RM550,000, following the series of mild earthquakes that struck the district between Aug 24 and 30.

According to the report by the Segamat Public Works Department (JKR), as of Sept 3, the affected buildings included Segamat Hospital, Bandar Putra Health Clinic, Segamat Community College, the district Kadi Office, schools, and government quarters.

-- BERNAMA