Kuala Lumpur: A powerful earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale struck Malaysia in the early hours of Monday, triggering tremors across parts of the country and neighboring regions. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake originated near the island of Borneo in Sabah state.
The epicenter was located about 100 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu at a depth of approximately 619.8 kilometers. The tremor was recorded at 12:57 a.m. (GMT 1657). Despite its intensity, authorities confirmed that there were no immediate reports of casualties or significant damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued.
Shaking was felt along Sabah’s west coast and in several parts of Sarawak. Mild tremors were also reportedly experienced in neighboring Singapore, where residents took to social media to describe the brief but noticeable movement.
Malaysia’s Meteorological Department said the situation is under close observation. A geological assessment conducted last October had identified multiple regions in Peninsular Malaysia — including Pahang, Terengganu, Perak, and Negeri Sembilan — as well as the Borneo states of Sabah and Sarawak, as areas prone to seismic activity.
The latest quake serves as a reminder of the region’s underlying tectonic vulnerability, even as authorities reassure the public that there is no immediate large-scale threat.
