Are you a construction engineer? Can you explain this?

If you take a good look at this image, you'll notice that there are concrete mendings of cracks in the walls of these buildings.



Have a closer look.

Is this a result of poor construction or is it a normal occurence? If I were to take a guess, I would say that these cracks are the result of non-uniform drying of the concrete, it happens to all concrete construction and its nothing to worry about.

Then again, I did not go to Penang for years to get an engineering degree unlike some people. If you have knowledge you'd like to share, please do not hesitate to spread your legs wisdom.

UPDATE: A long time old friend, Deckie, who went to Penang for years to get an engineering degree has calmed my fears somewhat.

deckie lawai: yeah
deckie lawai: its not deadly
StrangeYoungMan: hao cum
deckie lawai: unless it happens on the columns or beams
StrangeYoungMan: oh okay
StrangeYoungMan: i feel safer now
deckie lawai: walls don't support loads
deckie lawai: columns and beams do
deckie lawai: and most importantly, the pad footing (the foundation)