SABAH, MALAYSIA February 23, 2026 – A powerful earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck the waters off northern Sabah early this morning, sending tremors across Borneo and beyond. The quake, which occurred at 12:57 AM local time, has prompted Malaysian authorities to launch continuous field monitoring and coastal patrols to ensure public safety.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the epicenter was located approximately 49 km west of Kudat in the South China Sea, at coordinates 7.0° North and 116.4° East, with a focal depth of 678 km. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded the event as a magnitude 7.1 quake at a slightly shallower depth of 619 km, highlighting minor discrepancies often seen in preliminary seismic data from different agencies.
Tremors were widely felt across Sabah, including in Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, and Putatan, as well as in neighboring Sarawak, parts of Peninsular Malaysia, Brunei, and even as far as Singapore. Residents described the shaking as lasting around 10 seconds, with some reporting furniture moving and ceiling fans swaying vigorously. One local in Sabah shared on social media, “The sofa was shaking, and the ceiling fan was swinging fast—it felt like it lasted forever,” echoing the anxiety felt by many during the brief but intense event.
Despite the quake’s strength, no tsunami warning was issued by MetMalaysia or other regional authorities, owing to its deep origin, which typically reduces surface impacts. Initial reports indicate no casualties or significant damage, though officials are urging caution.
In a statement posted on X, Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, emphasized ongoing vigilance: “Following the earthquake early this morning, the Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Center will conduct continuous field monitoring as a precautionary measure. Patrols are being carried out in coastal areas near the Sabah International Convention Centre, along with inspections in districts such as Putatan and Kudat to ensure the situation remains safe and under control.” He added that public safety is the top priority and advised residents to stay calm, follow official instructions, and seek verified information from sources like the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) and MetMalaysia.
Seismologists note that the quake’s deep depth—over 600 km—likely originated from stresses in a subducted tectonic slab beneath Borneo, a region not typically associated with frequent shallow earthquakes but occasionally experiencing such deep events. Felt intensity reports compiled by USGS show light to moderate shaking in populated areas, with over 149 submissions from the public confirming the widespread reach of the tremors.
MetMalaysia and other agencies continue to monitor for aftershocks, though none have been reported as of 11:00 AM. Residents in affected areas are encouraged to review emergency preparedness plans, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, as highlighted by the Deputy Prime Minister in his call for collective prayers for protection.
This event serves as a reminder of Southeast Asia’s dynamic geology, where deep earthquakes can occur without causing major disruption but still warrant preparedness. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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