2004 Tsunami Crisis: Impact on Malaysia

The nation of Malaysia, which laid close the epicenter of the earthquake that generated the death-inducing tsunamis, was spared widespread destruction due being shielded by the Indonesian island of Sumatra.  The tsunami’s devastating effects were concentrated to the northern coastal areas near the island of Penang, where scores of people were swept from beaches.  Penang is popular with Western and Asian tourists, much like Phuket in Thailand, and hotels in the area are normally packed during the peak year-end holiday season.  At least 72 people are confirmed dead, of which are 6 were foreign tourists.   

The economic impact on Malaysia is likely to be negligible.  According to preliminary estimates within days of the tsunami, the cost of clearing up the damage is around $25 Million.  The Malaysian government has not requested any aid or debt relief.  Rather, Malaysia has been at the forefront among Southeast Asian countries in being the providers of aid to its neighbors, most notably Indonesia. 

Here are some of the tsunami-related stories coming out of the Malaysia:

- Media outlets in Malaysia have launched a Malaysian Tsunami Disaster Fund to assist Government efforts in rehabilitating and helping the thousands of victims affected by this tragedy.  The fund was initiated by the New Straits Times and Berita Harian newspapers, and joined by TV3 and 8TV.  The fund has so far raised a total of over 30 million Malaysian Ringgets.  

- Fortunately, Penang's water supply infrastructure, services and quality have not been affected by the tsunami triggered by the underwater earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia.  Water supplies are continually being monitored but there is no expectation of any negative changes.  The three large dams that Penang maintains provide water too much of Northern Malaysia.