By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 8: Several parts of Sabah were issued a tsunami advisory following a 7.9-magnitude earthquake near Mindanao in the southern Philippines at 7.37am today, with tremors felt across parts of the State.
In a statement, the federal Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup, said that tremors were felt in the Tawau and Semporna areas.
“Based on an analysis by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), a 0.4-metre-high tsunami is expected to occur in the coastal areas of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, and Lahad Datu between 10.30am and 12pm today.
“A tsunami warning siren has been sounded in the four areas as a precautionary measure and to warn residents there,” he said.
At the same time, he called for residents in the four locations, especially those residing in coastal areas, to remain calm and not to panic as the government, through METMalaysia and other agencies, is constantly monitoring the situation and will provide updates from time to time.
He also called on residents in the affected areas to give their full cooperation and adhere to any evacuation or safety instructions issued by the local authorities to prevent unwanted incidents from happening.
Additionally, he also advised residents to avoid coastal areas for the time being.
“The public has been urged not to spread misinformation that can cause panic, and to obtain accurate information from official channels via METMalaysia’s website and social media (Facebook, X, Instagram), the myCuaca app or by contacting the hotline at 1300-22-1638.” — DayakDaily
