By DayakDaily Team
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 3: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia), through the National Weather and Earthquake Operations Centre (POCGN), detected a weak 3.4-magnitude earthquake at a depth of 10 kilometres in Keningau at 9.31am today.
Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said updated seismological analysis placed the earthquake’s epicentre at coordinates 5.3 degrees North and 116.1 degrees East, about 10km west of Keningau.
He said tremors from the earthquake were also felt by residents in surrounding areas.
“As of 11.30am, METMalaysia had received a total of 436 reports from members of the public who felt the tremors,” he said in a statement.
Kurup said seismic monitoring and analysis records showed that Keningau had experienced 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,” he said.
He said METMalaysia would continue to closely monitor the area for any aftershock activity and provide updates from time to time.
Kurup also advised the public not to worry or panic, saying the earthquake was of weak magnitude and posed no tsunami threat.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) in Sabah conducted patrols and monitoring around the Keningau district following the earthquake.
Bomba Sabah said in a statement that seven personnel from the Keningau Fire and Rescue Station inspected several locations, including the Keningau G-MART and Apollo Furniture buildings, Keningau Health Office and 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 advised residents to remain alert for possible aftershocks and to notify the authorities immediately in the event of any damage or emergency.
The patrol operation began at 9.40am and concluded at 11.05am after the situation at all inspected locations was found to be safe and under control. — Bernama
