KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wants developers to incorporate earthquake-proof features, according to State Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam.
"Our building codes are not up to European standards. My ministry is working on amending the by-law related to buildings.
"However, we encourage developers and industry players to prioritise safety and make their buildings resistant to quakes," he said after a topping-out ceremony of a condominium that also incorporated anti-seismic technology.
In 2015, a Richter scale 6.0 earthquake in Ranau claimed 18 lives.
The quake and subsequent aftershocks affected 23 schools and various buildings in six districts, causing disruptions to water supply in Kundasang, Ranau, and Kota Belud.
Currently, several buildings, such as the Sabah Customs Department building and Bukit Bantayan Residences, are designed to withstand Richter scale 7.0 earthquakes.
He also said that the Sabah Government expected substantial returns from the Sabah-Malaysia My Second Home initiative participants.
"Through the participation of tourists in this programme, the state will benefit economically through property purchases, fund inflows, and stimulation of the local economy."
