Latest news with #High-RiseBuildingTechnicalGuidelines
The Star
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Few Penang structures earthquake-ready, says assemblyman
GEORGE TOWN: Only two structures in Penang are designed to withstand earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 on the Richter scale and within 300 km of the epicentre. Ong Ah Teong (PH - Batu Lanchang) stated that the two structures are the first Penang Bridge and Komtar, which houses the chief minister and state executive council members' offices. "When asked about the number of earthquake-resistant buildings on Penang Island, the answer from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is quite concerning, as there is no specific data regarding buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. "As of what is known, only Komtar and Penang Bridge are designed to withstand earthquakes. This shows that the technical and structural planning capabilities for earthquake resistance do exist," he said when debating the motion of thanks for Yang Dipertua Negri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's speech, who officiated the sitting last Friday (May 16). Ong said it is important for such technology and requirements to be extended to all high-rise residential buildings. He urged the state government, through local authorities, to update the High-Rise Building Technical Guidelines by making earthquake-resistant design mandatory for all new development projects. He added that the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) and Local Plans (RT) should also be adapted to align with current needs and modern disaster risks. Ong suggested that MBPP and relevant agencies carry out structural audits of existing buildings, particularly those over 20 storeys high or built before the year 2000. He proposed that the state government introduce an Earthquake Protection Scheme, similar to what is practised in Taiwan, where earthquake disaster coverage is part of fire insurance policies. He also suggested establishing a Penang State Disaster Protection Fund in collaboration with the insurance and financial sectors. On May 11, tremors were felt in certain areas on the island of Penang after a moderate 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck north Sumatra at 4.57pm. Many Penangites, especially those living in high-rise buildings, felt the quake, which occurred about 500km away. On March 28, a powerful earthquake struck Mandalay in Myanmar, resulting in the destruction of buildings and loss of life.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang DAP rep calls for quake safety review of buildings
GEORGE TOWN: Only two structures in Penang have been designed to withstand earthquakes since the 1980s, said DAP's Batu Lanchang representative, Ong Ah Teong. The two structures are the first Penang Bridge and Komtar, which houses the chief minister and executive council members' offices. This shows that Penang has the technical and structural capability for earthquake-resistant design, he added. Ong said, therefore, it was appropriate for such technology and requirements to be extended to high-rise residential buildings. He said the state government, through local authorities, should revise the High-Rise Building Technical Guidelines to mandate earthquake-resistant design in new projects. "The Penang Island City Council and relevant agencies should carry out structural audits of buildings, particularly those over 20 storeys high or built before 2000. "The state government should introduce an Earthquake Protection Scheme, similar to what is practised in Taiwan, where earthquake disaster coverage is part of fire insurance policies. "A Penang State Disaster Protection Fund can be established in collaboration with the insurance and financial sectors." He said this when debating the motion of thanks for Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib's speech during the sitting last Friday. Ong said: "Let us not wait for the first collapse before we act. The tragedy in Bangkok must serve as a wake-up call for us to strengthen our structural safety policies." On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Mandalay City, Myanmar. The tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, more than 1,000 km from the epicentre. A 33-storey building in Bangkok, built by a foreign government-owned company, collapsed despite using modern construction technology. On May 11, while Penang residents were celebrating Mothers Day, a 6.0 magnitude earthquake originating from northern Sumatra, 500km from the epicentre, was felt in Penang, including in Batu Lanchang. Ong said many residents were anxious and alarmed, especially given that the area has many high-rise apartment buildings, such as Central Park Apartments, which has five blocks and 33 floors. Ong said it was concerning that there was no data on buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. "This means there is no legal requirement to ensure high-rise buildings are constructed according to earthquake resistance specifications.
