‘No tsunami threat from Keningau quake’

KOTA KINABALU: A weak earthquake that swept through Keningau did not cause any injuries or damage, nor posed any tsunami threat, authorities confirm.

The Malaysian Meteorological Depart­ment (MetMalaysia), through the National Weather and Earthquake Operations Cen­tre, detected a weak 3.4-magnitude earthquake at a depth of 10km in Keningau at 9.31am yesterday.

Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup (pic) said based on updated seismological analysis, the earthquake’s epicentre was located at coordinates 5.3° north and 116.1° east, about 10km west of Keningau.

He said tremors from the earthquake were also felt by residents in the surrounding areas.

“As of 11.30am, MetMalaysia received a total of 436 reports of tremors felt by the public nearby,” Arthur said in a statement, Bernama reported.

One of many: A map showing the magnitude and coordinates of the quake. Seismic monitoring and analysis records showed that Keningau had recorded a series of weak earthquakes previously, inclu­ding in 2019, 2023 and on Oct 6, 2024, said Arthur.

He said seismic monitoring and analysis records showed that Keningau had recorded a series of weak earthquakes previously, inclu­ding in 2019, 2023 and on Oct 6, 2024.

“Today’s incident is part of the release of local tectonic energy in the region.”

Arthur said MetMalaysia would continue to closely monitor any aftershock activities in the area and provide updates from time to time.

He also advised the public not to worry or panic because the earthquake did not pose a tsu­nami threat.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) of Sabah conducted patrols and monitoring around the Keningau district follo­wing the earthquake.

The Sabah JBPM said in a statement that seven personnel from the Keningau Fire and Rescue Station conducted inspections on the Keningau G-Mart and Apollo Fur­niture buildings, the Keningau Health Office and the Keningau district police headquarters.

The inspections found no structural damage to the buildings while no incidents involving collapses, fires or injuries were reported.

The personnel also issued ­safety advice to residents to be alert against possible aftershocks and to inform the authorities if there was any damage or emergency. 

The patrols, which began at 9.40am, concluded at 11.05am after the locations were deemed safe and under control.