The earthquake in Ranau which caused the loss of 18 lives has brought to light the level of unpreparedness by the authorities in dealing with a national crisis.
Undoubtedly, we remain thankful and appreciative of the efforts by many quarters – including mountain guide or well known as “Malim Gunung” as well as the search and rescue teams. Nonetheless, grouses and feedback from affected victims must be taken seriously – In particular, that the effort to coordinate an early search and rescue effort was hampered by disorganisation and poor communique between government agencies.
Affected victim, Vee Jin Dumlao, had alleged that local rescuers idled while native guides did most of the rescuing. She also complained that the Malaysian emergency responders did not send helicopters out for rescue despite acceptable weather conditions.
At least four others involved in the search and rescue have also expressed disappointment- Supanih Tuboh, Safrey Sumping, Christopher Peter Ebi, all Malim Gunungs and Mitun Langgim, an officer with Sabah Parks. It was reported that they waited 9 hours (7am to 4pm), before deciding to head down the mountain.
What remains to be unearthed now is the fact that the Ranau tragic incident is hardly the first earthquake to hit us.
Previously, Ranau itself experienced at least nine earthquakes since 1989; the strongest in February that year, when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck.
Last year, a 4.8 magnitude earthquake also struck the same area.
What’s shocking is that Sabah, albeit not being in the Pacific Ring of Fire, has recorded at least 15 other earthquakes in other area; as shown below:
February 2015, Sandakan (5.6)
October 2014, Kudat (4.6)
July 2013, Kudat (4.2)
May 2012, Kunak (3.7)
May 2012, Lahad Datu (4.6)
June 2011, Sandakan (4.0)
May 2011, Lahad Datu (3.3)
August 2010, Lahad Datu (4.2)
September 2009, Kudat (4.5)
May 2008, Tawau (5.0)
April 2008, Semporna (4.5)
January 2008, Keningau (4.1)
April 2006, Sandakan (4.0)
November 2005, Tawau (5.8)
May 2005, Sandakan (5.3)
Firstly, The Malaysian government must now take proactive action and officially declare Sabah as earthquake prone. It bears noting that Kalimantan is also prone to earthquakes.
An official recognition of earthquake-prone zones will be the first step towards preparing affected areas and stakeholders by improving safety conditions and safety regulations.
New buildings must follow regulations that allow structures to withstand earthquake tremors. As it currently stands, Malaysia does not have any standards or guidelines for making buildings, bridges and public transport quake-safe.
As such, for existing buildings, the government needs to immediately engage experts to source a comprehensive solution and ‘quake proof’ structures in avoiding probable catastrophes in the event of an earthquake.
Secondly, the earthquake that hit us last 5th of June 2015 should also serve as an opportunity for the government to improve current standard operating procedures. If there is any, it should also be noted these SOPs should be reviewed and updated to suit recent events.
Mount Kinabalu, is one of the only two environmental sites in Malaysia that has earned Malaysia our very own UNESCO World Heritage status. Consequently, evacuation and safety procedures must also be world standard. These would include: sufficient lighting for helicopters to mount up in the event of an emergency evacuation;
Sufficient SAR training; including inter-level action between different authorities, not forgetting the police, fire and rescue department and medical personnels.
As our hearts continue to go out to the victims and their grieving family members; let us remember that the level of preparedness mitigates risks of lives lost in any calamity.
NURUL IZZAH ANWAR
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LEMBAH PANTAI
VICE PRESIDENT AND ELECTIONS DIRECTOR OF KEADILAN
