ADVANCES IN EARTHQUAKE MITIGATION IN MALAYSIA: A REVIEW OF GLOBAL CONTEXT AND LOCAL PROGRESS

Authors

  • Muhammad Waqas Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan 26300, MALAYSIA
  • Saffuan Wan Ahmed Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan 26300, MALAYSIA
  • Omair Shafiq Faculty of Civil Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Kuantan 26300, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9304-7793 (unauthenticated)
  • Muhammad Talha Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta, Alberta, T6G1H9, CANADA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11113/jurnalteknologi.v88.25341

Abstract

This paper provides a critical review of earthquake mitigation strategies in Malaysia. It aims to synthesize global best practices and evaluate their local application, feasibility, and the systemic challenges that hinder effective implementation. A narrative review of academic literature, government policy documents, and technical reports was conducted. The collected sources were analyzed using a thematic synthesis framework to structure the review around global advancements, Malaysia's specific seismic context, and the critical gaps between policy and on-the-ground practice. The review finds that while Malaysia has developed a progressive policy framework, its effectiveness is challenged by several key issues. A significant "knowing-doing gap" exists, where the adoption of advanced standards like Eurocode 8 is undermined by inconsistent enforcement and a shortage of specialized expertise. The practical feasibility of adopting global technologies is often limited by local factors, including high costs and infrastructural prerequisites. Furthermore, governance is characterized by a reactive "policy-disaster cycle," and community-based programs face challenges in achieving long-term sustainability. The novelty of this review lies in its critical synthesis that moves beyond a descriptive compilation of strategies. By identifying and analyzing the systemic barriers to resilience—from governance gaps to the vast, unaddressed risk of pre-code buildings—this paper provides actionable insights for policymakers, engineers, and disaster managers. It offers a clear-eyed assessment of the steps required to bridge the persistent gap between policy ambition and practical reality in Malaysia's journey towards seismic resilience.

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Published

2026-08-29

Issue

Vol. 88 No. 5: September 2026

Section

Science and Engineering

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