Question No: 6 

Question by: Mr Kenneth Tiong Boon Kiat 

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether risk assessment based on distant Sumatran quakes has been reviewed and updated following the recent seismic activity in Johor from the proximate Mersing Fault Zone; (b) what analysis assesses HDB blocks’ ability to withstand shaking from this nearer source; and (c) whether the Ministry will commit to targeted structural inspections for the most vulnerable older HDB estates. 

Answer:  

All buildings, including HDB blocks, are designed to be sufficiently robust to withstand lateral forces including tremors from earthquakes in the region. HDB and BCA have also installed tremor sensors on selected buildings to monitor real-time data to assess the potential impact of seismic activities on our buildings. 

Real-time data from HDB’s and BCA’s tremor sensors showed that the recent earthquake in Johor had no impact on buildings in Singapore, including older HDB estates. BCA and HDB will continue to monitor regional seismic developments and review risk assessment frameworks as necessary. 

To ensure building and public safety, BCA has put in place a rigorous regime of periodic structural inspections, which identify signs of structural defects and deterioration.