KOTA KINABALU: A mild earthquake, registering 3.5 on the Richter scale, jolted Kundasang early in the morning, causing a brief shake in the highland town during the quiet hours before dawn.
The tremor was felt by residents in the surrounding areas, though there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries.
Noticeable seismic activity was felt in Kundasang and Ranau early today, as residents described tremors lasting several seconds.
Residents, including Nair Larry, prayed for the safety of everyone, while Nunie Lynie mistakenly thought the tremor was caused by her ceiling fan spinning too fast.
Another resident who wanted to be known only as Christine noted that she felt the tremor forcefully, while Adarin Saibun advised everyone to remain cautious and vigilant.
The Meteorological Department recorded the quake some 8km from Ranau with a depth of 10km.
While there have been no reports of property damage or injuries so far, firemen have gone to Ranau and Kundasang to assess the situation.
Mountain Search and Rescue Team personnel conducted an immediate inspection of the mountain area at about 10.30am, checking the main hiking routes, inspecting for loose rocks or small landslides, and assessing the safety of tourists, climbers and mountain guides.
“We are also keeping in touch with other agencies for any information or needed assistance,” said Ranau Fire Station chief Rantey Fred.
He said the situation remained under control with no incidents reported.
All climbers are urged to strictly follow instructions from security personnel or the authorities and to stop their hike if aftershocks occur.
People have been advised to steer clear of precarious, sloped areas and locations with loose rocks or unstable soil. In the event of an emergency, individuals should promptly reach out to the authorities.
