concerned about quality living and
aspects such as better views and
cleaner environments also attracts
them. The amenities and facilities
offered, like a gymnasium and
swimming pool is also a lure.
Security is also a factor. Many
people find it safer to live in high
rise buildings due to the 24-hour
security that is provided. Plus,
security systems such as CCTV
cameras, key card access and other
modern security systems are also
a draw.
Safety Issues
Malaysia has to look into
strengthening the safety measures
for buildings and infrastructure to
ensure they are able to withstand
major phenomena such as
earthquake. Science, Technology
and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr
Maximus Ongkili said, although
Malaysia was spared from major
calamities, it is necessary to prepare
for any eventuality.
“We cannot predict what will
happen, more so with the change
in the global climate. The time has
therefore come for Malaysia to
put in place measures to ensure
safety of high rise buildings and
infrastructure such as roads,” he
said.
According to structural engineering
specialist Prof Dr Azlan Adnan of
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM),
most of the buildings in the country
are exposed to serious damage in
the event of an earthquake.
In 2009, a study carried out by the
Science, Technology and Innovation
Ministry and Ikram Assessment
examined the risk of earthquake
and tsunami in Malaysia, 30%
of 65 public buildings inspected
nationwide, including those in
Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya and Klang,
were exposed to the risk of serious
damage. For example, in Penang
all high rise buildings more than 10
years old must undergo structural
evaluation to detect any possible
structural weaknesses and repair it
before it is too late, the city’s local
council building director said today.
Since 2009, the Penang Island
Municipal Council (MPPP)
have issued 439 notices to the
management and owners of
10-year-old high rise buildings on
the island to submit full structural
evaluation reports on the buildings.
“It is important to appoint a
professional engineer to conduct
a full structural evaluation on high
rise buildings that are more than 10
years old so that they could d