PENINSULAR Malaysia, though considered a region of low seismic activity, is not immune to earthquakes, according to the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA).
The agency emphasised this in light of recent seismic tremors and historical data, including two earthquakes recorded in Johor in 1922, which registered magnitudes of 5.4 and 5.0 in January and February respectively.
Between 30 November 2007 and 14 January 2008, a total of 13 earthquakes were reported along the Bukit Tinggi fault zone, an active fault line running across the Selangor-Johor border.
Speaking to Bernama, President of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Abdul Rasid Jaapar, cautioned that although Malaysia is situated outside the major tectonic collision zones and therefore less likely to experience major quakes, minor seismic events have been documented across several regions in recent decades.
“There is always a residual risk,” Abdul Rasid said, noting that while no significant threat currently looms over Peninsular Malaysia, past tremors show that vigilance remains necessary.
Minor earthquakes—generally below magnitude 5.0—have occurred in areas including Bukit Tinggi in Pahang, Kenyir Dam in Terengganu, Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan, and Manjung and Temenggor in Perak, with magnitudes ranging from 1.6 to 4.6 in incidents recorded between 1984 and 2013.
Most of these were attributed to tectonic plate movements, though NADMA pointed out that the Johor quakes of 1922 were examples of “intraplate” earthquakes—events occurring within a tectonic plate rather than along its boundaries.
“These are rare and involve complex mechanisms,” NADMA said in a 13 August statement. “They often arise due to the accumulation and release of stress along pre-existing weaknesses in the Earth’s crust, such as ancient fault lines or fracture zones.”
Additional contributing factors may include shifts in surface weight distribution caused by erosion, sedimentation, or deep-seated fluid movements within the Earth’s crust, the agency explained.
This warning comes as a mild 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck Segamat, Johor at 6.13am today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). The epicentre was located five kilometres west of Segamat at a depth of 10 kilometres.
The tremor was felt across parts of Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and southern Pahang.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi confirmed no fatalities or property damage were reported. He said Segamat District Officer Mohd Ezzuddin Sanusi had relayed the updates and urged the public to remain alert.
“Stay away from unstable structures and heed instructions from authorities,” Onn Hafiz advised in a statement following the quake. - August 24, 2025
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