PUTRAJAYA: Residents in Sabah’s east coast are advised to avoid coastal areas and comply with safety instructions following an early tsunami warning triggered by a strong earthquake off Mindanao in the Philippines.
Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup also urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Arthur said a magnitude 7.9 earthquake at a depth of 50km was detected off Mindanao at 7.37am on Monday (June 8) with tremors felt in several areas, including Tawau and Semporna.
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“Based on an analysis by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), tsunami waves of up to 0.4m are expected to reach coastal areas in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu between 10.30am and noon,” he said in a statement on Monday (June 8).
Arthur said tsunami advisory sirens had been activated in the four affected districts as an early warning and preparedness measure for residents.
He urged those living in coastal areas, particularly in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu, to remain calm and avoid panic as authorities continued to monitor the situation.
“The government, through MetMalaysia and the relevant security agencies, is monitoring developments closely,” he said.
He said the latest weather, earthquake and tsunami information could be obtained through MetMalaysia’s official channels, including its website, the myCuaca mobile application, official social media platforms or hotline at 1300-22-1638.
