A strong 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck the Sulu Sea near Malaysia on Monday, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The quake occurred at 12:57 a.m. local time.
The epicenter was located off the coast of Sabah, beneath the sea, at a depth of 620 kilometers. According to Sabah’s Emergency Management and Rescue Department, there have been no reports of damage to infrastructure or human casualties so far.
Authorities have increased monitoring in coastal and high-risk areas, while Malaysia’s Meteorological Department has urged the public to remain calm and continue regular activities. Residents of Sabah and Sarawak reported feeling slight tremors for a few seconds.
The quake was also slightly felt in high-rise buildings in neighboring countries including the Philippines, Brunei, and Singapore, according to local media reports.