KOTA KINABALU, June 7 — Residents living in Semporna, Sabah felt tremors due to a weak earthquake that hit the area at 7.39 pm today.
A spokesman for the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) operations centre said his team received information about the tremors that were felt by residents in the area, however, there have been no reports of untoward incidents.
“Our team has not received any reports of unwanted incidents, and we will continue to monitor the situation in Semporna. All parties, including the JBPM, are always on standby and residents need not worry,” he said when contacted by Bernama tonight.
In a statement today, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said an earthquake, measuring 2.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, occurred at a depth of three kilometres.
Food trader Zahiral Kasman Abdullah, 24, when contacted said he felt the tremors in his house at Kampung Senallang, Semporna, however, they lasted only several seconds.
“It felt like something hit the wall of my house. We were shocked. Immediately, I took my wife and children out of the house. Our neighbours ran out as well…then there was a weak earthquake. Thank goodness everyone is safe,” he said.
Private company clerk Brenda Mary Joseph, 31, said at the time of the incident she panicked and went to get her children, before checking the area around her home in Kampung Salimbangun, Semporna.
“I was worried as our house is close to the sea and did not want a tsunami incident. My husband, children and I jumped into our car and drove to higher ground in town. Hopefully, there will not be aftershocks,” she added.
