MALAYSIA is projected to face a low to moderate risk of earthquake activity over the next decade, based on historical records, seismic activity patterns, and the country’s tectonic positioning, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry has stated.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the assessment relies on continuous monitoring by the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG).
While the risk remains generally low for Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah has been identified as the region with the highest seismic activity, where moderate to strong tremors are possible.
“For Peninsular Malaysia, although the possibility of an earthquake cannot be completely ruled out, analysis of empirical data and historical events indicates that any tremor is unlikely to exceed a magnitude of 6.0,” he said, responding to a parliamentary question from Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain bin Abdul Khalid (PN-Kuala Kangsar).
The minister emphasised that, to date, no technology exists capable of predicting the precise timing of an earthquake.
However, continuous monitoring indicates that minor tremors are expected to occur sporadically as part of the natural release of tectonic energy.
“This information will serve as a basis for risk assessment and national preparedness planning,” he added.
Malaysia’s relatively stable geological position, situated on the Sunda Shelf and outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, contributes to the country’s overall tectonic stability.
“This stability must be viewed in relative terms, as the nation still experiences tectonic stress resulting from the interaction of major plates in the region,” Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph noted.
The ministry’s assessment underscores the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness measures, particularly for regions such as Sabah, where stronger seismic activity may occur. - February 10, 2026
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