A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah early Monday morning, sending tremors through parts of eastern Malaysia but causing no immediate reports of damage or casualties.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake occurred at 12:57 a.m. local time on February 23, 2026. The epicentre was located approximately 55 kilometres north-northwest of Kota Belud and less than 100 kilometres from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu.
Despite the high magnitude, the tremor originated at an extreme depth of 620 kilometres. Seismologists noted that the depth of the quake significantly mitigated the potential for surface destruction and secondary disasters.
The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center confirmed there is no tsunami threat to the region. Officials explained that the earthquake's depth meant there was insufficient displacement of the ocean floor to generate a tidal wave.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), which initially measured the quake at a 6.8 magnitude, stated it would "continue to monitor the situation closely." According to reports from the agency, tremors were felt along Sabah’s west coast and in several areas of the neighbouring state of Sarawak.
"The likelihood of casualties or damage is low," the USGS stated in its initial assessment, citing the deep-focus nature of the event. Deep-focus earthquakes occur within the subducting slab of the Earth's crust and typically dissipate energy before reaching the surface.
The Thai Meteorological Department also issued a statement on Monday confirming that Thailand was unaffected by the tremor. In Malaysia, local authorities have remained on alert, though no emergency evacuations were ordered.