A 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, in the early hours of February 23, 2026, prompting regional monitoring agencies to issue advisories but confirming there is no tsunami threat.
According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, the quake occurred at 12:57am local time. The epicentre was located approximately 49km west of Kudat, Sabah, at a significant depth of 678km beneath the Earth’s surface.
Tremors were reportedly felt along Sabah’s west coast as well as in several areas of Sarawak, raising concerns among residents across parts of Borneo.
No Tsunami Warning, Singapore Monitoring Situation
Authorities clarified that despite the quake’s strength, no tsunami advisory was issued. The depth of the earthquake likely reduced the risk of widespread surface damage.
The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) released a statement at 1:13am, noting that the tremor occurred roughly 1,509km from Singapore’s coastline. MSS confirmed that no tremors were officially detected locally and reiterated that there is no tsunami threat to Singapore.
However, some Singapore residents took to online forums to share their experiences. A Reddit user claimed to have felt slight swaying in the East Coast area around 1:13am, about 16 minutes after the quake. Another social media post suggested similar sensations in Toa Payoh.
Buildings Designed to Withstand Distant Tremors
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has previously stated that Singapore’s buildings are engineered to remain structurally sound during tremors caused by distant earthquakes.
Nonetheless, authorities advise the public to stay calm should tremors occur. Individuals indoors are encouraged to take cover under sturdy furniture, avoid using lifts and refrain from using naked flames. Those outdoors should remain in open areas and keep a safe distance from buildings until shaking stops.
Regional seismic activity continues to be closely monitored by both Malaysian and Singaporean agencies. While no significant damage has been reported, the incident serves as a reminder of Southeast Asia’s proximity to active tectonic zones.
Residents are encouraged to rely on official updates from meteorological authorities for verified information.