30/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 30, 2025 2 Residents living in fear of more incidents PETALING JAYA: Residents of Segamat and Jementah are concerned that earthquakes could recur but are relieved that they did not suffer any serious injuries or property damage following several minor tremors that occured in their areas within a week. Businessman Rohezat Zakaria, 63, told theSun that he felt the tremors while he was in bed. “It was 4am and I wanted to use the bathroom, when suddenly it felt like my bed and the room were shaking a little. “It was as if a small bomb had gone off. “Fortunately, there were only minor damages in my house such as mirrors breaking.” Another businessman Tan See Choon, 50, said he felt the tremors while he was sleeping and immediately woke up feeling worried and confused. “I wasn’t sure if there was someone trying to break into my house or if it was something else. “I only found out it was an earthquake via Facebook about an hour after the tremors occurred.” Tan was worried that another earthquake was about to come and spent his time with his family and neighbours in a coffee shop near his house, waiting for things to settle down. “People were scared to go back to sleep.” Tan Min Lin, 38, a remisier, said she was woken up by the earthquake as her whole house was shaking for a few moments. “I didn’t know what was happening. I checked my Facebook page and learnt that it was an earthquake.” She was afraid that the gas pipeline near her house might explode. “We didn’t receive any official announcement from the government about the earthquake, especially in my area where we have a gas pipeline nearby the houses. “I hope the government can be more serious in giving solutions that can help protect people’s safety. “I also wish the government can come and check the buildings around the neighbourhood, especially the older houses, and see if they can withstand the force of another earthquake.” Jementah assemblyman Ng Kor Sim said creating earthquake awareness is necessary. “The recent tremors in Johor, including in my constituency of Jementah, are a reminder that the government must step up efforts to raise public awareness about seismic risks. “Although Malaysia is not located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, the tremors showed the public’s lack of knowledge on how to respond in critical situations.” Ng said the government should make tremor preparedness part of the culture of readiness to face natural disasters. “Schools, workplaces and neighbourhood associations can help raise awareness about earthquakes and instil safety habits. “There must be public confidence in the safety of the buildings we live, work and study in. Periodic safety audits of high-rise structures and public facilities should be encouraged to ensure that they can withstand minor tremors.” Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Minor earthquake hits Segamat for fourth time o Tremor occurred at depth of 10km, about 22km northeast of district, says Meteorological Department

Mohd Ezzuddin Sanusi said that no reports of property damage, injuries or fatalities had been received so far following the 2.5-magnitude quake. Mohd Ezzuddin, who is also Segamat District Disaster Management Committee chairman, said based on initial reports the tremor was felt by residents in Segamat and nearby areas. “Security authorities and related agencies are carrying out further monitoring to ensure that the situation in Segamat remains safe for the public. “The public is advised to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information and obtain the latest updates through official channels.”

at a depth of 10km. In recent days, two minor earthquakes were also reported in the district, raising concerns among residents, although no damage has been reported so far, Bernama reported. On Thursday, the department confirmed that a 3.2-magnitude minor earthquake had occurred in Segamat at 8.59am, with tremors felt in several parts of Johor and southern Pahang. On Aug 24, it had verified two minor earthquakes, one measuring 4.1 in Segamat at 6.13am and another of 2.8 magnitude in Yong Peng, 28km northwest of Kluang, at 9am. Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Segamat district officer

PUTRAJAYA: Although yesterday saw only the full-dress rehearsal for the National Day 2025 celebration, thousands of visitors of all ages and backgrounds began flocking to Dataran Putrajaya as early as 5.30am. Despite having to walk more than a kilometre to the venue, the public, including parents with children, turned up to witness the colourful run-through up close. Participants from 81 contingents, comprising school students, uniformed bodies, civil servants and private sector staff demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring the smooth running of Sunday’s celebration. Among the spectators was Ardhana Mad Noor, 52, who, together with his wife and two children, left their home in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan early to attend the rehearsal. “For nearly four consecutive years, my family and I have never missed the National Day parade. This year I came for the rehearsal instead as I have other commitments on Aug 31.” Overcast skies throughout the morning provided a pleasant atmosphere for the crowd, who remained at the square from the start of the rehearsal at 7.30am until it ended at 10am. Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa said the full rehearsal proceeded smoothly, with SEGAMAT: A weak earthquake measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale was recorded in Segamat at 4.24am yesterday, the fourth to hit the district within a week. The Meteorological Department said in a statement that the earthquake occurred at a depth of 10km, about 22km northeast of Segamat. The district was hit earlier by a minor earthquake on Thursday night, the third incident in the area

within a few days. “The department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates from time to time.” It is now undertaking a survey among members of the public who had experienced the tremors to help authorities obtain detailed data on the incident. On Thursday night, the 2.5 magnitude earthquake occurred at 7.56pm, with the epicentre detected about 13km north of Segamat, Johor,

Thousands throng Putrajaya to watch National Day rehearsals

Anwar was on site at Dataran Putrajaya yesterday to oversee the practice run. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

performance

involving

2,000

Day so the programme can proceed as planned.” He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who attended the session, also expressed excitement over the human graphic

participants delivering impressive performances. “The duration was one hour and 40 minutes, exactly as scheduled. God willing, if all goes well, we hope for similar good weather on National

students. He added that about 100,000 visitors are expected to attend this year’s National Day celebration. – Bernama

PM launches East Klang Valley Expressway

Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi described the EKVE as a major milestone in enhancing road connectivity across the Klang Valley. “The EKVE forms part of the Kuala Lumpur Outer Ring Road system and will provide an alternative route connecting Sungai Long, Bandar Mahkota Cheras, Hulu Langat and Ampang without forcing motorists into the city centre.”

“This is not just about a highway but about the daily lives of Malaysians. Traffic jams have trapped people for too long. That is why projects like this must be accelerated.” To mark the occasion, Anwar announced that toll on the EKVE would be free for one month, from 6am on Aug 30 until 11.59pm on Sept 29. He said the initiative was part of the government’s commitment to ease the public’s burden while celebrating

since works began in 2019. Initially targeted for completion in 2021, the project faced repeated disruptions due to environmental challenges, financial hurdles and the Covid-19 pandemic, before being completed this year. Anwar said major infrastructure projects must be completed without unnecessary delays as traffic congestion in the Klang Valley had become “unbearable” and required urgent solutions.

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the opening of Section 1 of the East Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE), a 24km link between Sungai Long and Ampang finally realised after years of setbacks. Speaking at the launch held at the Ampang Toll Plaza yesterday, Anwar acknowledged the project’s delays