Darren YeohTwo earthquakes rattled the state of Johor, Malaysia, in the morning of 24 Aug 2025, sending tremors that were felt as far away as Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and southern Pahang. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed the seismic events, which occurred on Sunday morning.
The first and more powerful of the two quakes, with a magnitude of 4.1, struck at 6.13am. Its epicentre was located 5km west of Segamat at a depth of 10km. A second, milder quake of 2.8 magnitude followed at 9am, with its epicentre situated 28km northwest of Kluang, also at a depth of 10km.
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No casualties or damage reported
Following the initial quake, Segamat district officer Mohd Ezzuddin Sanusi confirmed that, thankfully, there were no reports of injuries or significant damage to property. Although some users on X posted about minor damage to their homes following the tremors. While damage to property was at a minimum, many residents recounted their shock and surprise at the suddenness of the quake.
Johor Chief Minister Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has advised the public to remain cautious and to stay clear of unstable structures while the relevant authorities monitor the situation. MetMalaysia has also stated there is no tsunami threat to Malaysia from these events.
Earthquakes in Malaysia
Image credit: kokkai via Canva Pro
Although Malaysia is located outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, the country is not entirely free from the risk of earthquakes, contrary to popular belief. Experts note that Peninsular Malaysia has historically experienced low seismic activity, though minor tremors have been recorded in various areas over the past decades.
Past earthquakes in Peninsular Malaysia, though generally below a magnitude of 5.0, have occurred in locations such as Bukit Tinggi, Pahang; Kenyir Dam, Terengganu; Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan; and Manjung and Temenggor in Perak. The most significant tremors recorded in Malaysian history were in Sabah, with magnitudes between 6.0 and 6.3. These took place in 1923, 1958, 1976 and 2015.
The president of the Institute of Geology Malaysia, Abdul Rasid Jaapar, previously stated that while the risk of a major earthquake in Peninsular Malaysia is currently low, the country should remain vigilant. He pointed out that while Malaysia is not in a major tectonic plate collision zone, earthquakes are unpredictable in both their location and magnitude.
Also read: 8 Top Grocery Stores in Johor Bahru (JB) Near Singapore Customs
If you’re currently in Johor, did you feel the tremors this morning? And, if you’re travelling there or planning to do so, stay vigilant and keep up with the latest news!
