A 4.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Johor on Sunday morning (Aug 24). In the hours after, social media was abuzz with discussions on how an earthquake can happen in Malaysia since the country is sited outside the Pacific Ring of Fire. Some also asked if an earthquake will happen in Singapore. In an interview with Malaysian media outlet The Star in March 2025, Institute of Geology Malaysia president Abd Rashid Jaapar highlighted that while Malaysia is not situated along the collision zone of major tectonic plates, several minor tremors have been recorded in certain areas (of Malaysia) over recent years.Jaapar added that while there is presently no significant earthquake risk in Malaysia, the risks exist, citing the seismic activities in Bukit Tinggi. “Earthquakes are unpredictable in both location and magnitude. “If we claim there is no risk at all, that would be inaccurate. Natural events like earthquakes are unpredictable, so we must remain cautious, but there is no need for undue concern,” Jaapar told The Star.  Read more