In the heart of Segamat, Johor, a typical morning was shattered when a thunderous roar echoed through homes, startling residents. Lawyer Poon Ching Yee was in the midst of preparing breakfast when the noise hit – a sound akin to something heavy crashing down from above.

Her family's dog barked wildly as Poon's husband quickly confirmed their worst fear: an earthquake had struck. "Floods maybe, but an earthquake? That was unexpected and frightening," reflected Poon over a week later, recounting the early hours of August 24 when tremors rattled her home.

The 4.1-magnitude quake, followed by several aftershocks, exacerbated pre-existing hairline cracks in Poon's home, leaving one so profound that she could see into her neighbor's house. With the local bank urging her to file an insurance claim, Poon's hopes rest on the adjusters, as she wonders if existing damage will complicate her case.

The earthquake has ignited urgent discussions among experts about the critical need for earthquake insurance in Malaysia. Historically perceived as safe from seismic threats compared to neighboring countries like Indonesia, the reality has changed. The recent quake near the Mersing Fault Zone highlighted that Malaysia can no longer ignore the risks.

Chua Kim Soon, CEO of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia, noted that many homeowners are underinsured, especially those without mortgages, often unaware of the coverage options available for such natural disasters. With only about 43% of households having fire and home insurance policies, awareness about earthquake insurance remains alarmingly low.

Marimuthu Nadason, president of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations, emphasized the need for greater public awareness regarding all forms of natural disaster insurance, likening it to the post-flood insurance awakening experienced by many.

As Segamat residents assess the damage—including 64 reports of minor cracks in local buildings—the government has allocated RM550,000 ($130,533) for urgent repairs to structures such as schools and government buildings, which displayed minor damages from the tremors.

Expecting aftershocks, experts warn that residents must brace themselves for the lingering effects of seismic activity. The Malaysian Meteorological Department has cautioned that the Mersing fault line remains on edge, ready to release further energy.

Insurance companies, responding to the heightened concern, are witnessing increased inquiries about earthquake coverage, with Chua suggesting homeowners could extend their existing fire policies to include earthquakes at a modest cost.

As fears linger and new awareness arises, it seems that the tremors have not just caused physical damage but have also shook the very psyche of Segamat's residents, compelling them to rethink their preparedness for unforeseen natural disasters. Sam Tan from Olive Tree Property Consultants predicts that earthquake insurance will soon transition from optional to essential as seismic activity increases.

In the end, while the fear remains, Segamat's community is now more alert, with families taking precautions and teaching their children how to respond should the earth tremble again.