Sabah coast remains safe after deep offshore earthquake

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 23): Sabah’s coastline remains stable and safe following a strong offshore earthquake that struck early Monday morning, according to coastal engineering and seismic experts.

Senior Coastal Engineer and ASEAN Professional Engineer Ir. Ts. Tan KJ, FIEM, JP, said that from a coastal and hydraulic engineering perspective, the quake poses no risk to Sabah’s shoreline or coastal infrastructure.

He explained that while minor and temporary water agitation may occur in sheltered harbours or bays, such effects are short-lived and do not threaten ports, seawalls, or other coastal assets.

Professor Emeritus Dr Felix Tongkul of Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Natural Disaster Research Centre said the earthquake originated within the deep Wadati–Benioff seismic zone, associated with the subduction of the Celebes Sea microplate beneath northern Borneo. He noted that similar deep earthquakes recorded in 2019 and 2023 did not result in any coastal or marine impacts.

Authorities have assured the public that the event does not endanger coastal safety. Routine monitoring by relevant agencies is sufficient, and no additional measures are required at this time.

The Malaysian Meteorological Department reported that the earthquake registered a magnitude of Mw 6.8, with its epicentre located about 49 kilometres west of Kudat (7.0° North, 116.4° East) and a focal depth of approximately 678 kilometres. Due to its exceptionally deep origin, the tremor was only weakly felt at the surface.

Experts also dismissed tsunami concerns, stressing that deep-focus earthquakes do not produce the sudden vertical seabed displacement necessary to generate tsunami waves.

Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) president Ir. Prof. Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin said that despite the strong magnitude, the quake occurred more than 600 kilometres below the surface, resulting in only mild shaking along most areas of Sabah’s west coast.

He emphasised that magnitude alone does not determine damage, adding that modern buildings are designed to absorb such movements.

“Slight swaying in high-rise buildings is normal and indicates that structures are performing as intended,” he said, adding that tsunami fears in this case are unfounded. Instead, he noted that landslides on slopes following heavy rain represent a more realistic secondary risk.

IEM advised that while the earthquake poses minimal risk to well-constructed buildings, it serves as an important reminder to uphold engineering standards, ensure building safety, and remain prepared without panic. Simple preparedness measures, such as securing furniture, maintaining an emergency kit, and establishing a family safety plan, can significantly enhance overall resilience.

Sabah’s February 23 earthquake, experts said, underscores the importance of sound engineering, informed communities, and a clear understanding of risk in building long-term resilience.