Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Earthquake tremors felt across Sabah's east coast communities
Residents in Lahad Datu and Tawau experienced noticeable tremors from a 5.0-magnitude earthquake that struck offshore waters near Sandakan on Monday evening. The quake posed no immediate threat to coastal communities.
LSN Malaysia ·
A moderate-strength earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale shook the waters off Sandakan at 9.11 pm on Monday, sending tremors across the eastern seaboard of Sabah. Residents in Lahad Datu and Tawau reported feeling the earth movement, with the tremors lasting several seconds before subsiding.
The epicentre was located in the seabed near Sandakan, at a depth consistent with typical seismic activity in the region. Local authorities in affected districts confirmed that residents felt the quake but reported no damage to buildings or infrastructure in the immediate aftermath.
While the earthquake was sufficiently strong to be felt by the public, early assessments indicated no tsunami risk posed to coastal areas. The quake falls within the range of seismic activity regularly recorded across the Sulu and Celebes Seas, which form part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Officials urged residents to remain calm and follow standard earthquake safety procedures should additional tremors occur. Authorities continued monitoring seismic activity in the region.