Awareness of the Seismic Effect on Existing High-rise Building in Georgetown Penang

A seismic event is unpredictable and may occur worldwide depending on the movement of the fault line. The impact of this phenomenon on society, structures, sources and surroundings is significant to be investigated. Thus, this study aims to investigate the seismic awareness level and input information among Malaysians. Several far-field seismic activities in Malaysia have triggered some high-rise buildings, including residential and commercial ones. Due to this situation, the occupants started to worry about their safety living in high-rise buildings designed without seismic considerations. The most important initial step is to investigate the awareness level among the occupants. A survey has been conducted in Georgetown, Pulau Pinang area involving 208 respondents. Findings indicate the respondents have limited experience with seismic events in Malaysia and were never exposed to seismic information. Less than 50% declared to have adequate knowledge about seismic. Only 31.25% of the respondents were exposed to the seismic information. Respondents agree that Malaysia should apply a seismic code of practice for all construction buildings. Most respondents believe that preparation for upcoming seismic activities is still insufficient, and all new buildings should have seismic safety certificates in the future for seismic resistance.