KOTA KINABALU, June 8 — The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has confirmed that no structural damage or unusual rise in sea levels has been detected along the state’s east coast following the 7.9-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, the Philippines, this morning.

The Sabah JBPM Operations Centre (PGO) said close monitoring of coastal areas, residential zones and high-risk locations was immediately activated following the 7.37am earthquake, involving personnel from the Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna fire and rescue stations.

The statement was issued following a tsunami advisory by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia), with a tsunami expected to reach Sabah’s coastal areas between 10.30am and 12pm.

“Monitoring conducted up to the time of this report found no structural damage, unusual incidents, dangerous rise in sea levels or emergency cases in the affected areas. The situation remains under control and safe,” said the Sabah JBPM.

The statement added that the department will continue to carry out monitoring and remain on standby to respond to any eventuality, while information on the current situation will be updated from time to time. — Bernama