6.8-magnitude earthquake strikes waters off Kota Kinabalu

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia on Monday (Feb 23) morning, said the Malaysia Meteorological Department.

The quake, which happened at 12.57am, struck about 49km to the west of Kudat, Sabah, at a depth 678km. 

According to the department, tremors were felt in Sabah, as well as some areas in Sarawak and parts of Peninsula Malaysia. 

The United States Geological Survey reported the earthquake with a higher magnitude, at 7.1.

There is no tsunami threat to Malaysia, said the Malaysian Meteorological Department. 

Meanwhile, Bernama reported the Sabah Fire and Rescue department as saying that “no incidents” have been reported following the earthquake. 

Several Singaporeans told AsiaOne about experiencing tremors in the wee hours on Monday.

Eddie Boo, who lives on the 16th floor of a flat in Punggol, felt giddy while preparing for bed at 12.50am.

"I knew it was from an earthquake, but I didn't know where it came from," said the 40-year-old car mechanic. "My wife panicked a bit, but I assured her that the building is safe."

A Toa Payoh resident, who declined to give her name, said that she felt the floor of her flat "shaking" and the ceiling lights swaying back and forth.

"It only lasted for a few seconds," she added.

Additional reporting by Ching Shi Jie. 

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editor@asiaone.com