KUCHING, May 3: Malaysia, including several areas in Sarawak and Sabah, are no longer outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, claims Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Seismology and Earthquake Engineering Research Group chief researcher Prof Ir Dr Azlan Adnan.
He said the country needs to be ready for possible earthquakes, especially in Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Pilah in Negeri Sembilan, Manjung and Temenggor in Perak, and Kenyir in Terengganu.
Meanwhile in Sabah and Sarawak, he said earthquakes of up to a magnitude of 7 on the Richter Scale can occur in Ranau, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Bintulu, Niah and areas near Miri.
This is according to results of his studies related to earthquakes in Malaysia conducted over the past 25 years, Azlan told Harian Metro when met at his office yesterday (May 2).
He said many people do not realise that Malaysia has actually experienced earthquakes before, but on a smaller scale.
At Kenyir Lake Dam, Terengganu in 1984, he said there was an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.6.
Speaking further, Azlan said his claims were not meant to scare the public but to make sure that everyone including the government is prepared by taking early steps to reduce the effects of earthquake tremors. — DayakDaily
