Malaysia Is Safe From Indonesian Volcanoes, Experts Say

By Danial Martinus • 08 Sep 2026 in News

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Malaysians concerned about the country’s close proximity to Indonesia’s volcanoes don’t have much to worry about in terms of direct effects from an eruption, according to various experts.

That’s because Malaysia is located on the Sunda Shelf, which is tectonically stable and beyond the confines of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Even Sabah and Sarawak are safe for the most part

According to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) volcanology expert and senior lecturer Dr Suraya Hilmi Hazim, while Malaysia enjoys great safety in terms of volcanic eruptions, Sabah in particular might still feel some minor effects from seismic activity in the region.

“Although some claim we are already inside the Pacific Ring of Fire, that is not the case. Malaysia is part of the tectonically stable Sunda Shelf, while the Pacific Ring of Fire lies outside our boundary,” she says.

“However, we do have plate boundary intersections, such as in Sabah, which is close to the Philippines, so there may be minor effects. Tectonic plates do not move abruptly, so Malaysia will not shift into the Pacific Ring of Fire as claimed.”

Her comments come after recent claims that there are seven active Indonesian volcanoes located between 850km and 1,200km from various parts of Malaysia, including Anak Krakatau.

According to Rita Susilawati, head of the Centre for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, six of those volcanoes are currently erupting simultaneously. While the effects of these eruptions won’t technically be devastating for Malaysia, they still pose serious health risks.

“The ash contains fine rock particles and volcanic silica glass. It is not mere dust and can affect air quality, causing eye and respiratory irritation, particularly among those with conditions such as asthma and bronchitis,” she says.

“Another serious impact is ash entering Malaysian airspace and disrupting aviation services, as has happened in Indonesia.”

Despite Malaysia’s convenient location outside the Pacific Ring of Fire, she stressed the importance of preparedness in order to deal with any potential impact.