Powerful Magnitude of 7.1 Struck off the coast of Malaysia
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sabah, Malaysia, at approximately 12:57 a.m. local time on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter roughly 55 kilometres (34 miles) north-northwest of Kota Belud in the South China Sea. Despite its significant magnitude, the quake occurred at a great depth of 619.8 kilometres (approximately 385 miles), which greatly limited its surface impact.
Key details of the event include:
Tsunami Status: No tsunami warning or advisory was issued. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center and local authorities confirmed the extreme depth made tsunami activity impossible.
Tremors Felt: Shaking was reported along the west coast of Sabah and parts of Sarawak. Residents in Singapore also reported feeling mild tremors in areas such as Toa Payoh, Punggol, and Ang Mo Kio.
Damage and Casualties: There have been no immediate reports of structural damage, injuries, or fatalities. The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department conducted patrols and confirmed no emergency incidents were reported.
Regional Monitoring: While the USGS measured the quake at 7.1, the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) recorded a magnitude of 6.8 and stated they are continuing to monitor the situation closely.
Are you looking for emergency contact numbers in Sabah or more information on historical seismic activity in the region.