4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Johor, Tremors Felt Nationwide

A magnitude 4.1 earthquake struck the Malaysian state of Johor on August 24, 2023, at 06:13 local time. The quake’s epicentre was located 5 kilometres west of Segamat, at a depth of 10 kilometres. Tremors were felt across various states, including Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and southern Pahang.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed the seismic activity in a Facebook post and reassured the public that there was no tsunami threat. In response to the event, Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi reported that no injuries or property damage had been recorded in Segamat. He emphasized that the state government was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with relevant agencies.

Public Safety Measures and Expert Insights

Residents were advised to avoid unstable structures and to follow instructions issued by authorities. Onn Hafiz urged the public to remain vigilant as the government continues to assess the situation.

Despite Malaysia’s geographical position outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is not immune to earthquakes. Abd Rasid Jaapar, president of the Institute of Geology Malaysia, noted that while the nation does not lie along major tectonic plate collision zones, minor tremors have been recorded over the years. He stated, “Earthquakes are unpredictable in both location and magnitude.”

Historically, Malaysia has experienced significant earthquakes, particularly in the northern region of Sabah. Notable quakes with magnitudes between 6.0 and 6.3 occurred in the years 1923, 1958, 1976, and 2015. In Sarawak, the strongest recorded tremor was a magnitude 5.3 quake in 1994. The Peninsular region has also faced several earthquakes, with epicentres in areas such as Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, and Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. These quakes, ranging from magnitudes 1.6 to 4.6, occurred between 1984 and 2013.

Continued Monitoring and Safety Preparedness

MetMalaysia has committed to ongoing monitoring of seismic activity in the region. The department’s proactive approach aims to ensure public safety and preparedness for potential future events.

As the situation develops, the Malaysian government and local authorities remain dedicated to providing timely information and guidance to residents. Understanding the risks associated with seismic activity is crucial in a region that, despite its historical relative stability, faces the unpredictable nature of earthquakes.