KOTA KINABALU: A 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck more than 600km below the seabed less than 100km northeast of Kota Kinabalu in the early hours of Monday caused only mild shaking along Sabah’s west coast due to its significant depth.
The Institution of Engineers Malaysia said magnitude alone does not determine the extent of damage, noting that modern buildings are designed to absorb such movement.
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Slight swaying in high-rise structures is normal and indicates that they are functioning as intended.
The institution also dismissed tsunami fears, explaining that destructive tsunamis are typically triggered by shallow earthquakes that cause vertical seabed displacement, which was not the case here.
However, it cautioned that landslides on slopes after heavy rain remain a more realistic secondary risk.
IEM president Ir. Prof. Dr. Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin urged the public not to panic, stressing that deep earthquakes generally pose minimal risk to well-constructed buildings and serve as a reminder to uphold engineering standards and preparedness.
He added that practical steps such as securing furniture, keeping emergency kits and establishing family safety plans can further strengthen community resilience.
