My constituency of Jementah was among the areas affected by the recent tremors. Families here felt the ground shake, children were frightened, and many residents remain anxious about what could happen next. These fears underline why the Government must urgently clarify key safety issues that remain a source of public worry and anxiety since the first quake on 24th Aug 2025.
During a dialogue with senior government officials and multiple agencies on 3rd September 2025 in Segamat, Johor, I raised these matters directly. I am deeply concerned that many of the responses given by the bureaucrats were vague and non-committal. This does not inspire confidence, and it certainly does not calm the worries of Jementah residents and elsewhere who continue to live with uncertainty. At a time when clarity is most needed, we should not be content with incomplete or evasive answers.
For example, when I asked about public disaster drills, officials mentioned only that one might be conducted in October. There was no information on which agencies would lead it, where it would be held, or whether it would be continuous in the future.
On the question of school safety, the reply was that five schools had reported minor damage, but no confirmation was given that all school buildings had been inspected. On critical infrastructure, there was no assurance that gas pipeline maps or infrastructure schematics had been submitted to the relevant rescue units. These are basic questions that the public has every right to expect firm answers to.
Preparedness must extend beyond technicalities. Schools and mosques are at the heart of community life. Their safety must be guaranteed, and not assumed. Hospitals must also be assessed for their capacity to handle a sudden surge in casualties if disaster strikes.
Malaysia should not take for granted that it is free from natural disasters. The recent quake showed how quickly fear and confusion can spread, and how important it is to have systems in place that protect people and reassure them. This is not just about Jementah alone. The recent quake is a reminder that Malaysia needs a stronger culture of national preparedness that leaves no community behind.
The people of Jementah have seen first-hand how unpreparedness can fuel anxiety. Their calls for answers echo the same calls that should be heard across Malaysia. We need clear protocols, transparent communication, and visible action that demonstrate the Government’s seriousness in safeguarding the public.
By addressing these gaps without delay, the Government can begin to restore confidence. Failing to do so will only deepen the sense of unease among communities that have already experienced the tremors of uncertainty.
