SUNGAI SIPUT: The Work Ministry wants engineers to incorporate tremor-resistant designs in high-rise buildings, Minister Datuk Seri S. Vellu said.

He said the ministry would ask the Board of Engineers to consider such a feature as tremors were occurring in the country quite frequently.

"We cannot keep quiet. We have to think of Penang, Port Klang and all the west coast towns that might be affected by the tremors," he said.

Samy Vellu said this in reference to tremors being felt by those living or working in high-rise buildings in Malaysia as a result of the earthquakes in Sumatra, Indonesia.

He said this to reporters after distributing funds to mosques and suraus here yesterday.

"The engineers have to consider this step. One day, these strong tremors might hit Kuala Lumpur or the coastal shores," he said.

He stopped short of saying whether the ministry would make the move compulsory.

"We have to see where the tremors take place and the degree (of damage). Some buildings can withstand the tremors while at other places, it's easier for such buildings to be damaged," he said.

He said many building were designed to withstand earthquakes.

"But many buildings still don't. Only those like the Twin Towers do," he said.

Samy vellu said the ministry has yet to receive any reports of buildings affected by the earthquakes that rocked Sumatra since Wednesday.