Malaysia has identified 14 “hotspots” considered high-risk areas for earthquakes, according to Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghan, Minister of Plantations and Commodities, currently acting as Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. The identification comes following studies conducted by his ministry.
The 14 hotspots are: Ranau and Lahad Datu in Sabah; Niah in Sarawak; Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik in Pahang; Batang Kali and Ulu Yam in Selangor; Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan; Kenyir in Terengganu; Manjung and Temenggor in Perak; and Mersing, Segamat, and Batu Pahat in Johor.
Johari made the announcement in response to a parliamentary question from Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muar-Muda) regarding whether Malaysia has updated earthquake and climate change data, as well as ensuring buildings are constructed to withstand seismic events.
He noted that Malaysia follows the Malaysia National Annex to Eurocode 8: Part 1 – General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings, published by the Department of Standards Malaysia. This framework ensures that building design, seismic risk levels, and engineering mitigation measures are appropriately considered for high-risk areas.
Developers planning projects in these zones are required to refer to these standards. Johari emphasized the importance of geospatial data to guide local authorities in approving construction projects safely. “Developers must review these hotspots and comply with the standards for any applications in these areas. For zones not listed as earthquake-prone, these rules may not be necessary, but data collection remains essential to guide local authorities,” he said.
