KUALA LUMPUR: The 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Sabah early yesterday morning is the strongest to hit the country in recent memory. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said that based on the department’s records, the previous strongest earthquake in Malaysia occurred on June 5, 2015, in Ranau, Sabah. In a statement earlier, MetMalaysia reported that a powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah at 12.57am, but posed no tsunami threat. The epicentre was located about 49km west of Kudat, Sabah, and tremors were felt across parts of Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. He advised residents in nearby areas to stay alert, follow instructions from the authorities, remain calm and avoid panic.
