Allllllal Geological Conference '94

Jlllle 11-12, 1994, KIllIIiI Terengganll, MaliI!fJUz

Structural patterns within the Tertiary basement of the

Strait of Malacca
LIEW KIT KONG

Petronas Research & Scientific Services Sdn. Bhd.

Lot 1026, PKNS Industrial Estate
Ulu Kelang, 54200 Kuala Lumpur

Abstract: The Tertiary basement of the Strait of Malacca (Malaysian waters) slopes gently towards
southwest. Northerly trending grabens have been mapped within the basement at discrete locations.
These grabens, from south to north, are Kukup Graben, Johor Graben, Port Klang Graben, Angsa
Graben, Sabak Graben, Southern Graben, Central Graben, Eastern Graben, East Penang Graben, West
Penang Graben, North Penang Graben, MSS-XA Graben, and Northern Graben. The maximum depths
of these grabens range from 900 metres to 4,000 metres. The Tertiary basement topography of some
grabens has been altered by structural modification during ?Late Miocene. These grabens can be
grouped into (1) Bengkalis Trough related grabens, (2) Pematang-Balam Trough related grabens, (3)
Asahan Arch-Kepulauan Aruah Nose related grabens and (4) Tamiang-Yang Besar High related grabens.
These graben groupings are situated between regional highs. These graben groupings are also elongated
in northerly direction and may represent regional fracture zones. The zones are initiated during Lower
Oligocene by right lateral shearing in the NW-SE direction.

INTRODUCTION western margin area) began in a terrestrial

environment with lacustrine to lagoonal shales
Regional structures within Peninsular Malaysia (Bampo formation). Holomarine to inner neritic
and northeastern Sumatra trend northerly. condition (Belumai formation) was established
However, the Malaysia/Indonesia (Sumatra) during Lower Miocene with carbonate reefs build-
international boundary which trends NW-SE, has up on existing structural highs. Influx of coarse
limited the knowledge of the extension of these clastics in the middle Miocene marked the
regional structures. Structural continuity between deposition of the Baong formation. The top ofBaong
these two areas are often extrapolated. There are formation is the Upper Miocene unconformity.
information gaps within the Strait of Malacca as Regional transgression has resulted in Post Baong
published information about the geology of the Strait sedimentation within a shallow marine environment
is limited. This paper attempts to provide some (Murray,1991). Within PM 15 grabens, three major
information about the Tertiary basement of the stratigraphic sequences are identified: (1) Early
Strait ofMalacca (Malaysian waters). The Tertiary graben fill which comprises lacustrine sediments
basement referred in this study is the seismic (Pematang equivalent) (2) middle to late graben fill
basement or the economic basement as seen in of fluvio-Iacustrine deltaic sediments (Sihapas
seismic sections. equivalent) and, (3) post-graben fill (PetanilMinas
The Strait of Malacca (Malaysian waters) has equivalent) with sediments of marine influence.
been demarcated as PM 1 and PM 15 exploration They are separated by unconformities (Wong, 1990).
blocks by PETRONAS (Fig. 1). Sun Malaysia The objective of this study is to determine the
Petroleum Company surveyed both blocks and had structural patterns within the Tertiary basement
relinquished both blocks in 1992. of the Strait of Malacca (Malaysian waters) and
Stratigraphic schemes (Fig. 2) utilised by the attempt to relate these patterns to regional
operator are similar to those of the North Sumatra structures. To achieve these objectives, structural
Basin (for PM 1) and the Central Sumatra Basin interpretation is performed on structural maps
(for PM 15). It is believed that sedimentation within produced by Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co. These
both blocks is related to these greater basins. The maps are scaled from 1:50,000 to 1:500,000.
Tertiary basement (referred to the seismic Geological reports (in-house, unpublished and
basement) is interpreted to be the base of Upper published) regarding this region are also
Oligocene. Tertiary sedimentation in PM 1 (north compiled.

GeoL. Soc. MaLaYJia, BuLLetin 38, December 1995; pp. 109-126

Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, No. 38, December 1995

Copyright © 2017 by Geological Society of Malaysia (GSM)
110 lIEW KIT KONG

REGIONAL ELEMENTS east of the Asahan Arch are associated with th

Central Sumatra Basin and those west of the arc
Asahan Arch is a northerly trending regional are associated with the North Sumatra Basin. In
basement high that separates the North Sumatra this paper, grabens association is based on Murray's
Basin from the Central Sumatra Basin (see Fig. 1). (1991) criterion.
This arch probably extends to the west of Central Grabens or depressions west of the Asahan Arch
Graben in PM 1. Based on sediment fill within the overlie the Mergui Mircoplate (see Pulunggono and
grabens, Murray (1991) interpreted that grabens Cameron, 1984). Most of the area consists of

THAILAND
STUDY
AREA

Kuala Terengganu
o

PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA
Kuimtan

SUMATRA
(INDONESIA)

Figure 1. General location of the study area (PM 1 & PM 15). The area is within Malaysian waters
of th e Strait of Malacca.
Ceo L. Soc. l11alaYdia, BuLLetin 58
 STRUCTURAL PATIERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 111
shallow-depth pre-Tertiary basement which slopes basement outcropping onshore Peninsular
gently in southwest direction. Thicker Tertiary Malaysia to the northeast and the Kuantan High
sediments are located at the northwest margin of to the south east. Kepulauan Aruah Nose,
PM 1. Its north west margin area lies on the Sembilan High and Bengkalis Trough are located
eastern shelfal (Malacca Platform) extension of the on the south west margin of these grabens (Fig.
North Sumatra Basin (Fig. 3). Grabens east of the 4). Most of this area also slopes gently in
Asahan Arch are bounded by the Pre-Tertiary southwest direction.

PM1 PM15
M.Y AGE
Formation
SedbnBlllary
formation
Sedbnentery
Envlrorunents Environments

Pleistocene Coastal to Inner neritic Minas Shallow marine

Pliocene Equivalent to
Lower coastal plains
Post Baong Middle neritic

Upper Petani
Inner neritic Equivalent
10 Lacustrine
to
CD .. ··········1···············1········· Ruvio-Deltaic
c Coastal to
80 Middle Baong
Inner neritic Sihapas
:i Equivalent

20 ..•..•..•"1 ..•..•..•..•..•.. "7•..•..•..•

Holomarine
Lower Belumal Inner neritic
Pematang
Lacustrine
Continental at the base Equivalent
Upper Bampo
CD and marine towards

30
c
CD
0
~ thetop__
- -
0
.2>
Lower
0

40 Tampur

Eocene

50
Uncertain Basement
(Undifferentiated)
········-7················1··········

Basement
60 Paleocene
.(Undifferentiated)

Figure 2. Generalised stratigraphic schemes of PM 1 and PM 15 utilised by operator. These schemes are similar
to those used in North Sumatra Basin and Central Sumatra Basin, respectively. Adapted from Murray (1991)
and Wong (1991).
December 1995
112 liEW KIT KONG

GRABENS ASSOCIATED WITH NORTH Platform ofthe North Sumatra Basin. The northerly
SUMATRA BASIN trending Tamiang High and Yang Besar High of
the Tampur Platform extend into this grabenal
Davies (1984) described the Tertiary structural area (see Fig. 3).
evolution of the North Sumatra Basin as a Grabens in this area are generally northerly
consequence of its position along the trailing edge trending with the bounding fault to the east. The
of the counter-clockwise rotating "Sunda major depocentre lies to the west in Indonesian
Mircoplate". He elaborated that from Eocene to waters and the grabens become progressivel
Lower Oligocene, the Sunda Mircoplate and the shallower towards the east (Murray, 1991). Two of
Indian-Australia Plate converged at high acute the larger grabens are Northern and MSS-XA
angle. The convergence of these Plates has graben. Basement surface in this area inclines
generated northward propagating, dextral gently towards southwest and faults trend NE-SW
overstepping wrench faults along the western edge (Fig. 5). Across the international border towards
ofthe continental mircoplate. The configuration of Sumatra, the basement surface becomes variable
the present North Sumatra Basin was a and basement highs are elongated in N-S or NNW-
consequence of the geometrical inter-relationship SSE direction.
of these wrench fault systems .
The grabens west of the Asahan Arch are on NORTHERN GRABEN
the eastern shelfal (Malacca Platform) extension of
the North Sumatra Basin. These grabens lie in the The NNE elongated Northern Graben i ~
northern part of the Strait of Malacca, offshore situated near the western margin of PM 1 Block
western Peninsular Malaysia. Geologically, they and near the Malaysia/Indonesia international
are situated on the northeast part of the Tampur boundary. Basement contour deepens towards SW.

96' E 97' E I Gl
OJ
0-
ro
::>
!!!.
»
~ PM 1

5' N PASE SUB

BASIN
5
6
'1J

4' N

~ Right latera l movement

o 100
I I
km

Figure 3. Tectonic elements of North Sumatra Basin. Three main tectonic elements are Tampur Platform, Pase Sub
Basin and Sigli Platform. PM 1 is situated on the Malacca Shelf. Adapted from Sosromihardjo (1988).
Ceo!. Soc. //i/ aLaY,lia, BILLLetin 38
 STRUCTURAL PATTERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 113
Faults mapped in this graben trend north and NE, trending. Depression c deepens eastward and
and are interconnected. Most major faults are depression d deepens westward. The length of
located on the eastern flank of this graben. The these grabens is about 30 km (see Fig. 5).
size of this graben is estimated to be 20 km x 10
km. The maximum depth of this graben is 2,400 MSS-XA Graben
metres (Fig. 6). This half graben is elongated in NNE direction
Two unnamed depressions have been mapped with a major fault demarcating its eastern margin.
90 km west ofPulau Langkawi. These depressions This NNE fault is 40 km long. Basement deepens
are elongated in the north direction. Faults towards east. The maximum depth of this graben
bounding these depressions are north and NE is 2,600 metres (see Fig. 6).

4· N

PENINSULAR
PM 15

MALAYSIA
liD Kuala Lumpur

PADANG

~
MAND~
SUBBASIN

Figure 4. Tectonic elements of Central Sumatra Basin. Note the N-S and NW-SE orientation of regional Highs and
Troughs. Kepulauan Aruah Nose is named as Perak Nose in Malaysian waters. Adapted from BEICEP (1985) in
Greenway and Goh (1989).
December 1995
114 lIEW KIT KONG

9s o E 100 E
0

PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA

6·N 6°N

4°N 4°N

50
krn I

98· E

NAME OF GRABEN
a = NORTHERN b = MSS-XA c = no name
d = no name e = CENTRAL f = WEST PENANG
9 = NORTH PENANG h = EASTPENANG = EASTERN
j = SOUTHERN

Figure 50 Northerly trending grabens in PM 1. Tamiang high and Yang besar High ?extend into grabenal
areao Simplified from graben summary map from Dyer et alo (1991) and Sosromihardjo (1988)0

Geoto Soco MataYJia, Bulletin 38

 STRUCTURAL PATIERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 115

Ion 20
I

CONTOUR INTERVAL' 0.2 SEC (lWT)

eJIf CARBONATE BUILDUP

NW SE

INDONESIA I MALAYSIA

NORTHERN GRABEN

POST-BAONG

NOT TO SCALE (b)

Figure 6. (a) Inner Northern Graben with interconnected N-S and NE-SW faults
on the eastern flank. Extracted and simplified from basement time structure map
of Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co. (1989). (b) Schematic cross section of Northern
Graben. Major faults are located at the eastern margin of the graben. Carbonate
build-ups at local highs. Section simplified from Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co.
(1989).
December 1995
116 LIEW KIT KONG

GRABENS ASSOCIATED WITH of full or half grabens. Murray (1991) interpreted

CENTRAL SUMATRA BASIN that these features are formed during a phase of
extension in the Oligocene, with later structural
The Central Sumatra Basin is one of a series of modification due to right lateral wrenching in the
back arc basins developed linearly along the leading late Miocene.
edge of the Sunda Platform, as a result of the A NNE half graben (Eastern Graben) is mapped
subduction of the Indian Ocean Plate beneath the 30 km east of Central Graben. A curvilinear NNE
Southeast Asian Plate. This basin was formed fault major bounded the western margin of this
during the east-west extension in Late Cretaceous/ graben. This fault is about 35 km in length. The
Early Tertiary (Dalyet al., 1987). maximum depth of this graben is 970 metres.
The grabens east of the Asahan Arch are Basement slopes westward(see Fig. 5).
believed to be the north eastern extensions of the Three grabens are mapped north of Central
Central Sumatra Basin. These grabens lie in the Graben; East Penang Graben, North Penang Graben
southern part ofthe Strait ofMalacca. They occupy and West Penang Graben. These grabens are
the north-eastern margin of the Central Sumatra probably the northward extension of the Central
Basin. Graben. These grabens are situated about 30 km
Five main grabens (Central, Sabak, Angsa, Port west of Pulau Pinang. The maximum depths of
Klang and J ohor) are believed to be structurally these grabens are range from 900 metres to 2,800
and genetically similar to those of Central Sumatra metres. Basement of all these grabens slopes down
Basin. The structural styles within these grabens westward with a major fault demarcating its
are characterised by Eocene to early Miocene east- western margin. These curvilinear faults control
west extension related to rifting and graben the size of these grabens and are parallel to the
formation, followed by late Miocene (or ?Plio- elongation of the grabens. The length of these
Pleistocene) compression and uplifting, resulting faults range from 20 km to 55 km. East Penang
in structural inversion, change in basin depocentre Graben and North Penang Graben are elongated in
and formation of structural traps. Wong (1990) the NE direction whereas West Penang Graben is
suggested that this very active NE-SW compression elongated in the north direction (see Fig. 5).
formed most ofthe present day structures with fold
axes generally paralleling the underlying NW-SE SOUTHERN GRABEN
basement grain. The Johor Graben appears to
have undergone a relatively more severe This NE-SW elongated half graben is situated
compression phase during late Miocene-Pliocene 90 km west of Pulau Pangkor. A major SE
time as indicated by intense faulting and uplift. downthrowing fault demarcates the western margin
of this graben. This fault has a length of 50 km, a
CENTRAL GRABEN maximum heave of 2.5 km and a vertical throw of
800 msec. The graben deepens towards NW,
This graben is the largest mapped graben in reaching a depth of more than 2,300 metres. The
PM 1. It is situated about 80 km southwest of length of this graben is controlled by the major
Pulau Pinang. Geologically, it is located to the east fault and maximum width of this graben is 20 km.
of the intersection ofthe Malacca Platform and the Faults parallel to the major fault are found within
Asahan Arch. The length of this graben is about 60 the graben (Fig. 7a).
km and the width is about 20 km. Variable
topography characterises the basement of Central SABAK GRABEN
Graben. Numerous depocentres within this graben
are elongated NE-SW. Major faults demarcating This curvilinear N-S graben is situated 25 km
the limit of the graben are NE-SW trending whereas south of the Sg. Bernam mouth. The Kepulauan
faults within the graben are north-south trending. Aruah Nose is located west of this graben. A major
The deepest part of this graben is estimated to be fault is located on the western margin of this graben.
over 4,000 metres. Basement surrounding this The maximum depth of this graben is about 2,400
graben is about 550 msec deep (Fig. 7a). metre (Fig. 8). There are two depocentres within
Compressional features such as folding of this graben. They are separated by north trending
sedimentary sequences and ?wrench-faulting have faults. The southern depocentre is elongated NNW
affected the basement and younger sequences (Fig. and has been mapped seismically. This depocentre
7b). These features indicated that basement occupies an area of 35 km x 15 km. The northern
topography has structural overprint. NNE trending depocentre has been defined by
Structurally, this graben can be divided into a bouguer gravity anomaly. This northern depocentre
number of sub-basins which have the appearance is estimated to be about 1,500 metres deep.
Ceo!. Soc. MalaYJitl Bulletin 5S
l
 STRUCTURAL PATIERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 117

H = High
L= Low

5' N
High

CENTRAL

High

High

km
/ 10

(a)
99' 40' E

ssw MINAS NNE

EQUIVALENT

BASEMENT
o
I
km

CENTRAL GRABEN
NOT TOISCAI::E

Figure 7. (a) Central and Southern Graben. The basement of Central Graben has variable
topography. NE-SW elongation of numerous depocentres. Major faults demarcating the limit
of the graben are NE-SW trending. Faults within the graben are north-south trending.
Southern Graben has a major bounding fault on the western margin. Extracted and simplified
from basement time structure map of Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co. (1989). (b) Simplified
geoseismic cross section of the southern part of Central Graben. Basement topography is
altered by later structural modification. Simplified from Dyer et al. (199 1).
Decel/lber 1995
118 LIEW KIT KONG

Low: '. ,,\

, \ \ ....
,
I
1 \
\
, ,

, ""
, ,-', "
,

PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA

High

SABAK
GRABEN

3' 30' N

CONTOUR INTERVAL = FT

ANGSA
CONTOUR INTERVAL = MILLIGAL
(BOUGER GRAVITY ANOMALY)
GRABEN

L=Low

o 20
I km I

Figure 8. Simplified basement outline ofSabak Graben. The basement outline is curvilinear. The
southern part of the graben is defined by seismic whilst the northern part is defined by Bougeur
gravity anomaly. The oval Angsa Graben is south ofSabak Graben. Note the difference in graben
geometry between these two grabens. Extracted and simplified from basement map of Wong (1990).

Ceol. Soc. MalaYdia, Blllletin 38

 STRUCTURAL PATTERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 119
ANGSA GRABEN in NNE-SSW direction and is bounded by curvilinear
faults which progressively change northward from
Angsa Graben is oval in shape with a NNE NNE to N. The graben deepens towards ESE,
trending fault bounding its western margin. This reaching a depth of 3,300 metres (Fig. lla).
graben is situated between the Sabak Graben (see Numerous curvilinear step faults have been mapped
Fig. 8) and the Port Klang Graben (see Fig. 9a). It on the western boundary of this graben. Seismically,
is located 20 km west ofPulau Ketam. Contours on this graben is approximately 15 km wide along its
western margin are aligned in NNE direction axis and 10 km wide across its bounding faults.
whereas contours on the eastern margin are convex Bouguer gravity suggests that the deposition area
towards ENE. This graben deepens towards west. of this graben could be extended landward into the
The depth of the basement is estimated to be 3,600 Batu Pahat-Air Hitam area. On land, the probable
metres. Diameter of this graben is approximately extension of the J ohor Graben is elongated in NW-
25 km. Offshore gravity data indicate a possible SE direction and is parallel to the axis of the granite
extension of the Angsa Graben into the Angsa Bank bodies in Johor. Flower structures and folded
area. Basement has tilted to the west after the younger sedimentary sequences within this graben
deposition of ?Petani Formation (Plio-Pleistocene) indicate a structural overprint on the basement
(Fig.9b). topography (Fig. llb).
East of the Johor Graben, in the vicinity of
PORT KLANG GRABEN Pulau Kukup, Kukup Graben is mapped. This
graben represents a N-S half graben with a major
This NNW-SSE elongated graben is situated fault on the eastern side of the graben.
approximately 25 km west of Bukit Jugra. The Geometrically, this graben could be structurally
axis of this graben extended across the Malaysia! related to the Johor Graben (Fig. lla).
Indonesia international boundary, reaching a length
of approximately 80 km. The average width of this
DISCUSSION
graben is 15 km. The NNW-SSE elongated
depocentre is approximately 3,600 metres deep. N- Based on the spatial relationship between the
S faults have transected the depocentre of this grabens and regional elements, these grabens are
graben. Normal faults have been mapped on the grouped as follow: (1) Bengkalis Trough related
eastern and western flanks of the graben. The grabens, (2) Pematang-Balam Trough related
eastern flank of this graben is steeper than the grabens, (3) Asahan Arch-Kepulauan Aruah Nose
western flank. Higher curvature is observed on related grabens and (4) Tamiang-Yang Besar High
contours of the western flank of the graben. The related grabens.
higher linearity of the contour on the eastern flank Bengkalis Trough related grabens include Johor
suggest that a major fault has bounded the eastern Graben and Kukup Graben. These grabens are
margin of this graben and the graben deepens situated about 60 km east of the N-S trending
towards east (Fig. lOa). Offshore gravity data Bengkalis Trough. Both grabens are aligned to the
suggest that the Port Klang Graben may extend in NNE direction (Fig. 12b). Tjia (1988, 1989)
northeast direction into the islands offshore Kuala suggested that in late Cretaceous-early Tertiary
Selangor. Basement topography is altered by later time, the Bengkalis segment of the Bentong-
structural events. Wrench faulting with flower Bengkalis suture experienced normal faulting that
structure is observed in this graben (Fig. lOb). created the depression. Lateral faulting occurred
Separated by a N-S elongated basement high in the Oligocene (?) and the Miocene. Pleistocene
on the western margin of Port Klang graben, is a NW striking reverse faults are superimposed upon
NNE-SSE oriented depression. This depression is earlier trends. Wong (1990) believed that the Johor
also bounded by a major fault on the east margin. Graben is genetically related to the Bengkalis
This depression deepens towards east, reaching a Trough in Central Sumatra. This graben could
depth of 1,700 msec. This depression and Port have developed as a side graben of the Bengkalis
Klang graben could be structurally related. These Depression (see Moulds, 1989).
two structural features are located on the eastern Pematang-Balam Trough related grabens are
flank of Kepulauan Aruah Nose, a regional Port Klang Graben, Angsa Graben and Sabak
basement high (Fig. lOa). Graben. These grabens are situated north of the
N-S trending Balam Trough and Pematang Trough
JOHOR GRABEN and could be the northern extension of the Troughs.
Kepulauan Aruah Nose is situated west of these
The Johor Graben is situated approximately 20 grabens. These grabens are aligned in NNW
km west of Pulau Pisang. This graben is elongated direction. Port Klang Graben and Sabak Graben
December 1995
120 lIEW KIT KONG

101 · E
Contour Interval =ft
Contour Interval =twt
ANGSA
H = High L= Low

o 20
I I
km

3· N ,
,
,
,
\ ,
I

.:
, /

,,
/ I
I
High I

, I
, \
, ,,
,
/
, ,
,- , . -, , '.. ~
, ,
............. -- - \ , \ \
'\ ,
, '

Figure 9. (a) Simplified basement outline of the oval Angsa Graben. The steep contour on the
western margin suggest a major bounding fault. Port Klang Graben is south of Angsa Graben.
Note the difference in graben geometry between these two grabens. Extracted and simplified from
basement map of Wong (1990). (b) Simplified geoseismic cross section of the Angsa Graben.
Basement tilted westward after deposition of Petani Formation. Major faults dip east with
smaller antithetic faults dip west. Simplified from Wong (1991).

Ceo!. S oc. IJilaLaYJla, BuLLetin 38

 STRUCTURAL PATIERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 121

, J

< -

High

I
,
... ...
J'I \ \
/ 1
/ r" ... \ \ H· h I
Low , '\ Ig
. --
J /

, .... / ,. - ... ' ... , \ I

I
J \

I
I
, ... I
.- -... '"
"

\ \ _,
,
\
_ ...

" (
...... \
-
1 - -
, \
o 20 \
I
km
I " , ...

\.
"" \
\

CONTOUR INTERVAL = FT
,'...
\ I 'I": :
-" I \
-=- :. ... \ \
CONTOUR INTERVAL = TWT
I I '\........ r'
I I \,

I, High '. \ "

\ I J .... ,
I I
H =High L = Low (a) ... ' I" I

NW SE

PLEISTOCENE - RECENT

PETANII MINAS EQUIVALENT

Figure 10. (a) Simplified basement outline of Port Klang Graben. The steep contour on the eastern
margin suggest a major bounding fault. To the west is a similar elongated graben. Extracted and
simplified from basement map of Wong (1990). (b) Generalised cross section of Port Klang Graben.
Negative flower structures and folded younger sedimentary sequences indicated later structural
overprint on the basement topography. Simplified from Wong (1991).
December 1995
122 lIEW KIT KONG

103· E , o 20
I I I
I
km
, '- 0 Air Hitam
, .... \ ,
Batu Pahat \ \ \ \
, I
CONTOUR INTERVAL = FT
o , \
\ ', I ,
:" ', \ " \ I CONTOUR INTERVAL = MILLIGAL
Low
I
I
I
•
\ I
I I
I, , I
I
I ../
J I
t
-,
I , ...... \
(8ouger Gravity Anom aly)

........_-.....:.' '",' \', ' -- - -"

" . .". .I' ' , ' I,' I" H = High L =Low
\ \, \ J

I \ ,

I, High \ ... \ \
, ,
\

, ,
,
I

,
,
,,
1· 30' N OPulau
Pisang

(a)

NW SE
PETANl i MINAS EQUIVALENT

TELISA
EQU IVALENT

BASEMENT

JOHOR GRABEN

NOT TO SCALE BASEMENT

(b)

Figure 11. (a) Simplified basement outline ofJohor Graben. Graben may ?extend onshore
into the Batu Pahat-Air Hitam area. Extracted and simplified from basement map of Wong
(1990). (b) Simplified geoseismic cross section ofthe Johor Graben. Basement slopes east.
Flower structures and folded younger sedimentary sequences indicated modification of
basement topography by later structural event. Simplified from Wong (1990).
Ceo!. Soc. Il1a !aYJia, BuLLetin 58
 100' E 102E
98'E
4' N
SABAK 4' N

GRABEN

PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA
6' N

en
-l
:rJ
PORT KLANG C
RABEN o
-l
C
:rJ
:»

o
JOHOR r
'U
GRABEN :»
,, KUKUP :::j

,,,
,,
.:• GRABEN m
:rJ
z
en

1
,,
:::r: :
,
"

·
:·
2' N
::\!
=i
I
Z
,, ,,
1

,:
' (9 , -l

1(9
'- ,
,::r: ,:
,
~:
:t: ,....-
. ,,
,,,
I
m
-l
m
:~
, -
:
1
g: I ,.
5: . ,
1
~
:rJ
-l
l>
::?! : fij' • • 'U :rJ
: ~ ,: i:I5: : I :0:: -<
co
, .'0: l : :« ,,
:»
en
, ,I :Z
." ,'2: : /'
1
m
,« ,, ;::
:, ~:.
,
,, ,
1 .
,. .
,,
'0
,
,
1
1
1 ,
~
~
,
,,
,
,,
,,
m
z
-l
o.,
,.., :W :
,,, ,.
o , : ,, ,, '. ,, , (fJ , -l
, ,,
.
o ' I
:~4~N
, ...,
o '
, ,
'.
~ , m

, .
4' N
,, :~ en
'..
,« SUMATRA -l

... ,., •\. :

:rJ
~
km
50 :0::
,w :»
=i
:0..
98' E
.
SUMATRA
~
'
~ (a) 100' E
,
,,
,, 0' N
0' N
.,
o
:s;:
:»
r;
o
o
:»
NAME OF GRABEN
50
a = NORTHERN b MSS-XA c = No name I
CENTRAL WESTPENANG kin
d No name e
9 NORTH PENANG h EAST PENANG EASTERN
j SOUTHERN
100' E

Figure 12. (a) Location of graben groupings with regional elements, Note the orientation of graben groupings with regional elements, Modified from Sosromihardjo
(1988) and Dyer et al, (1991), (b) Location of graben groupings with regional elements , Note the alignment of the Balam -Pematang Trough related grabens with both
Troughs , Johor Graben and Kukup are east ofthe Bengkalis Trough, Modified from Wong (1990),
124 lIEW KIT KONG

are northerly elongated grabens whilst Angsa Malay Basin and the Strait of Malacca depended
Graben which is situated between these two grabens on different kinematics.
is oval in shape (Fig. 12b). Tertiary depressions/grabens in Strait of
Grabens located between the Asahan Arch and Malacca are formed along ?pre-Tertiary ?reactivated
the Kepulauan Aruah Nose are Central Grabens, zones of weakness. The Strait of Malacca region
Southern Graben, Eastern Graben, West Penang could be a structural buffer zone between Peninsular
Graben, North Penang Graben and East Penang Malaysia and Sumatra. It is postulated that the
Graben. Collectively, these grabens are aligned in scattered Tertiary basins onshore the west coast of
NNE direction. Major bounding faults for these the Peninsular Malaysia were produced by late
grabens (except Central Graben) are situated on Tertiary structural adjustments mainly involving
the western margin of these grabens (Fig. 12a). . faulting. These basins are ?aligned with the major
Grabens that are situated north of the N-S faults (Gobbett, 1973; Stauffer, 1973). Ifformation
Tamiang and Yang Besar highs are Northern of the depressions in these two areas are geologically
Graben, MSS-XA Graben, two unnamed depressions related, then age of the Tertiary basins onshore
(c and d). The Northern Graben and MSS-XA would not be older than that of the Central Graben
Graben which are situated on the southern part of or the Port Klang Graben. Furthermore, it can be
this graben grouping are aligned in the NNE inferred that some of major lineaments on
direction. Depressions c and d are aligned in the N- Peninsular Malaysia have experienced movement
S direction. There is no preferred sloping direction during Tertiary.
of these grabens (Fig. 12a).
These graben groupings represent N-S CONCLUSIONS
depressions between N-S regional highs. The first
three depressions are ?extensions of the Troughs of Most of the pre-Tertiary basement in the Strait
the Central Sumatra Basin. Tamiang-Yang Besar of Malacca (Malaysian waters) slopes gently in
High related grabens are probably extension of southwest direction. Grabens/depressions are
lows within the Tamiang-Yang Besar High. The mapped within the basement at discrete locations. .
average horizontal spacing between these graben These grabens/depressions may represent regional
groupings is 150 km. If these graben groupings fracture zones.
represent regional fracture zones, then they depict All grabens are elongated in the northerly
a left-stepping en echelon array. Right-lateral direction. Most of the grabens have major bounding
shearing in the NW-SE direction could have faults on their western margin. The maximum
initiated the E-W transtensional of these grabens depth of the grabens range from 900 metres to
(Fig. 13). Alternatively, these graben groupings 4,000 metres. The Central Graben is the deepest
could represent transtensional bends within major graben. Basement topography of some grabens has
pre-Tertiary N-S regional lineaments. The N-S been altered by structural modification during ?Late
lineaments could have experienced lateral Miocene. Flower structures, folded younger
movement during Tertiary times. sedimentary sequences and tilting of younger
If the formation of the first three graben sedimentary sequences are evidences of this
groupings are associated with the Central Sumatra structural overprint.
basin, then the earliest Cenozoic structural These grabens can be grouped into (1) Bengkalis .
development is the Eo-Oligocene rifting along old Trough related grabens, (2) Pematang-Balam
basement breaks ofN-NNE strike and reactivation Trough related grabens, (3) Asahan Arch-
of WNW trending regional basement arches Kepulauan Aruah Nose related grabens and (41
(Heidrick and Aulia, 1993). If the Tamiang-Yang Tamiang-Yang Besar High related grabens. These
Besar High related grabens are related to North graben groupings are also elongated in the northerly
Sumatra Basin, then these depressions were direction. They represent regional left-stepping
developed during the Late Oligocene through Early fractures with an average horizontal separation of
Miocene as tensional horst and graben structures 150 km. These graben groupings are situated
formed between reactivated dextral wrench faults between regional highs. These grabens were
(Davies, 1984). initiated during Lower Oligocene by right lateral
Pre-Tertiary structures exerted strong influence shearing in the NW-SE direction (Fig. 13).
on the development of Tertiary basins. Pre-Tertiary
lineaments patterns of the Strait of Malacca ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
(Malaysian waters) trend northerly whilst those
offshore east coast Peninsular Malaysia trend NW- The author expresses his gratitude to the
SE (see Liew, 1993). Therefore, the structural managements of PETRONAS and PETRONAS
development of Tertiary basins/depressions in the Research & Scientific Services Sdn Bhd for their
Ceol. Soc. MalaYJia, Bulletin 58
 STRUCTURAL PATIERNS WITHIN THE TERTIARY BASEMENT OF THE STRAIT OF MALACCA 125

Approximate location of

THAILAND (1) Bengkalis Trough related grabens

(2) Pematang-Balam related grabens

(3) Asahan Arch-Kepulauan Aruah Nose

related grabens

(4) Tamiang-Yang Besar High related

grabens

PM1

PENINSULAR
MALAYSIA

Kuantan

SINGAPORE
Figure 13. Summary map of graben groupings and its regional interpretation.

DecemDer 1995
126 lIEW KIT KONG

permission to publish this paper. This paper is margin of the Malay Basin. PETRONAS Research &
part ofPRSS Project No. 123/92, "Tectonic Evolution Scientific Services, Project 123/92, Report No. RPS-93-03.
and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity of the Malay and MOULDS, P.J., 1989. Development of the Bengkalis Depression,
Penyu Basins", which is funded by Petroleum Central Sumatra and its subsequent deformation - A
model for other Sumatran Grabens? Proceedings 18th
Research Fund. The unpublished information Ann. Conv. Indonesian Petroleum Association, 217-245.
quoted in this paper is obtained from E&P Division, MURRAY, c., 1991. Review of the prospectivity of Block PM-
PETRONAS. Sincere appreciation is extended to 1, Straits of Malacca, Malaysia. Sun Malaysia Petroleum
Dr. H.D. Tjia for providing his constructive Co. (unpublished).
comments and advice. PULUNGGONO, A. AND CAMERON, N.R., 1984. Sumatran
Mircoplates, their characteristics and their role in the
REFERENCES evolution of the Central and South Sumatra Basins.
Proceedings 13th Ann. Conv. Indonesian Petroleum
DALY, M.C., HooPER, B.G.D. AND SMITH, D.G., 1987. Tertiary Association, 121-143.
plate tectonic and basin evolution in Indonesia. SosROMIHARDJO, S.P.c., 1988. Structural analysis of the North
Proceedings IPA 10th Annual Convention, 399-428. Sumatra Basin - with emphasis on synthetic aperture
DYER, J., FINLAY, A., MoHO. GHAZAU AND WONG, D., 1991. radar data. Proceedings 17th Ann. Conv. Indonesian
Report on the geophysical and geological re-evaluation Petroleum Association, 187-209.
of contract area PM 1, Malacca Straits, Malaysia. Sun STAUFFER, P.H., 1973. Cenozoic. In: Gobbett, D.J. and
Malaysia Petroleum Co. (unpublished). Hutchison, C.S. (Eds.), Chapter 6, Geology of the Malay
DAVIES, P.R., 1984. Tertiary structural evolution and related Peninsula West Malaysia and Singapore. New York, Wiley-
hydrocarbon occurrences, North Sumatra Basin. Interscience, 143-176.
Proceedings 13th Ann. Conv. Indonesian Petroleum SUN MALAYSIA PETROLEUM Co., 1989. Preliminary evaluation
Association, 19-49. report: geophysics and structural geology. N.W. detail
GOBBETT, D.J., 1973. Introduction. In: Gobbett, D.J. and area. PM-I. Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co. (unpublished).
Hutchison, C.S. (Eds.), Chapter 1, Geology of the Malay TJIA, H.D., 1988. Tectonic history of the Bentong-Bengkalis
Peninsula West Malaysia and Singapore. New York, Wiley- Suture. Geological Society of Malaysia, Petroleum
Interscience, 1-12. Geology Seminar 1988. Abstracts of Papers. Warta
GREENAWAY, P. AND GOH, KT., 1989. Preliminary geoscience Geologi, 14(6),270-271.
report, contract area Block PM-15, Malaysia. Sun TJIA, H.D., 1989. Tectonic history of the Bentong-Bengkalis
Malaysia Petroleum Co. (unpublished). Suture. Geol. Indon., 12(1),89-111.
HEIDRICK, T.L. AND AUUA, K, 1993. A structural and tectonic WONG, 0.,1990. Hydrocarbon potential of PM-15 grabens
model of the coastal plains block, Central Sumatra Basin, (overview). Sun Malaysia Petroleum Co. (unpublished).
Indonesia. Proceedings 22nd Ann. Conv. Indonesian WONG, D., 1991. Review of the prospectivity of PSC block
Petroleum Association, 285-317. PM-IS (Post Port Klang-I), Strait of Malacca. Sun
LIEw, KK, 1993. Strucfural development of the west-central Malaysia Petroleum Co. (unpublished).

--------~.~.-~-..-.--------

Manuscript received 22 October 1994

Geol. Soc. MalaYJia, Bulletin 38