Malaysia is now facing a surprising seismic reality. Recent studies reveal that six of its states sit on active fault lines. This makes them vulnerable to earthquakes. The news comes as the southern state of Johor has experienced two months of continuous small tremors.
On October 6, 2025, Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii shared these findings. He is the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability. His ministry’s geological study found active fault zones. These zones could trigger future quakes. The at-risk states include Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan in Peninsular Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak, located on Borneo island, are also on the list.
The Minerals and Geoscience Department conducted this research. They mapped active fault lines. They also created detailed seismotectonic maps. These maps clearly show the fault zones in these six states. They highlight where future tremors might occur.
These studies gained urgency after recent events in Johor. The state has felt many small earthquakes since late August. Experts believe these tremors are linked to the Mersing Fault Zone. This zone stretches through parts of the region. The quakes ranged from 2.5 to 4.1 in magnitude. The most recent one hit on September 27, 2025. It measured 3.5 magnitude. Its center was about 25 kilometers southeast of Batu Pahat, 10 kilometers underground.
The Deputy Minister explained that these maps are crucial. They help agencies better predict and assess earthquake risks. Malaysia is now updating its “Malaysian Seismic Hazard Map.” This is a big national effort. The Meteorological Department, local universities, and other technical bodies are all working together. The new map will include the latest earthquake data. It will also show active fault lines, geological materials, and soil survey results. This will make the map as accurate as possible.
Despite the concerns, Dato Sri Huang Tiong Sii offered some reassurance. He noted that the tremors in Johor are natural. They represent the Earth releasing stored tectonic energy. This happens along ancient fault lines to balance the crust. He affirmed that, based on current data, Johor and its nearby areas remain in a safe zone.
The Malaysian government is preparing for the future. They are strengthening the country’s early warning systems for natural disasters. A major project is underway. This project is the second phase of developing a nationwide earthquake and tsunami detection network. It falls under the 13th Malaysia Plan. This plan will reinforce 12 existing detection stations across the country. It will also add two new stations in Segamat and Muar, both in Johor. Furthermore, existing stations in Johor Bahru, Batu Pahat, and Gelang Patah will be upgraded. This will help them detect even small tremors more effectively.
Source: Bernama