Tremors rock varsity, students evacuated

Mahsa University College students in Damansara were evacuated after the tremors, which have become a normal occurence, started to move objects on the tables.

KUALA LUMPUR: Students of Mahsa University College in Pusat Bandar Damansara here were evacuated this morning following strong tremors in the area.

Mahsa’s public relations and marketing executive, Fazil Tahil, said that the Human Resources Department patched a call to the Fire and Rescue Department after the tremors moved objects on the tables.

But according to Fazil, this wasn’t a new occurrence.

“I’ve actually felt tremors since last week,” he said. “And we found out today that some students and personnel have even felt them at irregular intervals as far back as last July. But for some reason no one mentioned it.”

“This is the first time that we’ve called the Fire Department because the tremors have never been this strong before,” he added.

The Seri Hartamas Fire and Rescue Department unit ordered two blocks evacuated and inspected the building for more than an hour before declaring it safe.

However, Fazil said that the five firemen left without furnishing them with any details.

“They didn’t tell when they would send us a report either. In fact, they came without any equipment except for a pen and notepad. When we asked why they didn’t bring any tools, they said it wasn’t necessary,” he added.

The tremors were limited to the upper side of Pusat Bandar Damansara.

Meanwhile, the Fire and Rescue Department’s assistant director of operations, Azizan Ismail, confirmed that no cracks were found in the building.

He also explained that it was standard procedure for the firemen to physically examine the structure without the aid of equipment.

“If we did find any cracks or serious damage, then we would inform the relevant authorities,” he added. “As for the report, we only provide one if the party concerned requests a copy.”

“But I am pleased with my team’s report that the students and personnel behaved in an orderly manner when assembling outside the building. We have conducted numerous fire drills there and I’m glad to see that it has paid off.”

When asked if they had determined the source of the tremors, Azizan attributed it to the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Christchurch in New Zealand earlier today.

A personnel from Help University College, which is situated on the lower ground in the same vicinity, said they had not felt anything. - FMT