Post by : Rameen Ariff

PETALING JAYA – On August 29 at 4:24 in the morning, an earthquake with a strength of 3.4 was felt in Segamat, Johor. This was not the first one. It was actually the fourth earthquake to hit the state in just five days.

The Malaysia Meteorological Department, also called MetMalaysia, said that the quake started 22 kilometers to the north-east of Segamat, at a depth of about 10 kilometers. People living in Johor felt the tremors, though it was not very strong.

Why is this important?

Malaysia is not known for strong earthquakes, but small quakes are becoming more common. Even if they are weak, they can cause fear and worry among the public. When four quakes happen in less than a week, it is a signal that the ground is not fully calm.

While no major damage was reported, the timing of these quakes—so close together—has made many residents nervous. Families, especially in Johor, are now asking if their homes and schools are safe enough in case a bigger quake happens.

The role of MetMalaysia

MetMalaysia has promised to keep watching the situation closely. The department’s job is to monitor the earth’s movements and inform the public quickly. Their warning system is important to reduce panic and guide people on what to do.

What should people do?

Experts say small earthquakes often pass without much harm. But people should still learn some basic safety steps:

• Stay calm and do not run during a tremor.

• If inside, hide under a strong table or stand near a wall corner.

• If outside, stay away from buildings, trees, or electric poles.

• Always follow updates from trusted sources like MetMalaysia.

The bigger picture

Johor’s recent quakes are a reminder that natural disasters can happen at any time. Even if they are not deadly, they can affect the sense of safety in a community. The government may now need to study if Johor is facing new risks, and how buildings and infrastructure can be made safer.

For the people of Johor, these tremors are a wake-up call. Preparedness and awareness are as important as the scientific tools used to measure the earth.