Moderate Earthquake Shakes Johor, Tremors Felt Across Malaysia

A 4.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Malaysian state of Johor on the morning of August 24, 2023, with tremors felt across several nearby states. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported that the quake occurred at 6:13 AM, approximately 5 kilometers west of Segamat, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Tremors were reported in areas of Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, and southern Pahang.

Authorities confirmed that there were no significant incidents or damage resulting from the quake. Onn Hafiz Ghazi, the Chief Minister of Johor, stated via social media that the state government was actively monitoring the situation in conjunction with relevant agencies. He urged the public to stay away from unstable structures and to follow official instructions.

Seismic Activity Monitoring

The Malaysian Meteorological Department reassured the public that there was no tsunami threat following the earthquake. Despite Malaysia’s location outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, experts indicate that the country is not entirely immune to seismic events. Abd Rasid Jaapar, president of the Institute of Geology Malaysia, explained to Bernama that while Malaysia does not lie along the major tectonic plate collision zones, minor tremors have been recorded in various regions over the years.

“Earthquakes are unpredictable in both location and magnitude,” Jaapar noted. He referenced a previous quake in Bukit Tinggi, which reached a magnitude of 3.8. Currently, he emphasized that there is no significant earthquake risk in Peninsular Malaysia, though the risk is higher in Sabah, which is closer to active seismic zones.

Historical Context of Earthquakes in Malaysia

Historically, Malaysia has experienced stronger earthquakes, particularly in Sabah. Quakes with magnitudes ranging from 6.0 to 6.3 were recorded in the years 1923, 1958, 1976, and 2015. In Sarawak, the strongest recorded tremor was a 5.3-magnitude earthquake in 1994. Peninsular Malaysia itself has also experienced several earthquakes, with significant epicentres located in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang; Kenyir Dam, Terengganu; Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan; and Manjung and Temenggor in Perak. These earthquakes, which varied in magnitude from 1.6 to 4.6, occurred between 1984 and 2013.

As monitoring continues, authorities remain vigilant regarding seismic activity in the region. Public safety remains a priority, and residents are encouraged to stay informed through official sources.