JOHOR BAHRU, Oct. 1 -- The Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) will launch a citywide review of building safety standards to strengthen earthquake preparedness, following yet another tremor here last weekend.

JB Mayor Datuk Haffiz Ahmad said the initiative is crucial to ensure all buildings can better withstand and reduce the risk of serious damage in the event of unexpected seismic activity.

The move comes after the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) reported a 3.5 magnitude earthquake in the waters off Batu Pahat on Saturday.

This tremor is the latest in a series of minor quakes in Johor since late August, which experts have linked to the Mersing Fault Zone.

"The city council takes such matters seriously. I have requested...