Major 7.1 Earthquake Hits Sabah, Malaysia’s Popular Tourist Coast

Published: 23 February 2026 . The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A powerful magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck off the coast of Malaysia, shaking the well-known tourist destination of Sabah and prompting concern among residents and visitors alike. The tremor, occurring offshore but felt widely across the region, caused panic as buildings swayed and people rushed outside.

Seismic monitoring agencies, including the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre, reported that the quake occurred near the northern tip of Borneo, with preliminary readings placing it about 62 kilometres west of Kudat and later refined to 55 kilometres northwest of Kota Belud. The quake originated at an unusually deep depth of 619.8 kilometres beneath the South China Sea, meaning surface damage is expected to be limited. Tremors were reportedly felt along Sabah’s west coast and parts of neighbouring Sarawak.

Home to approximately 3.76 million people, Sabah is Malaysia’s second-largest state and a major draw for tourists due to its coastal resorts, diving sites, wildlife, and dramatic landscapes. Officials have confirmed that, so far, there have been no reports of injuries or structural damage, though assessments are ongoing. Local authorities urged residents to remain calm while monitoring the situation.

This earthquake follows a series of recent significant tremors worldwide. Earlier this year, a magnitude 5.1 quake struck Reggio Calabria and Sicily in southern Italy, causing panic but no reported damage. Residents reported shaking at 5:53 am on January 10, with the epicentre located 65 kilometres beneath the Ionian Sea, according to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. Domenico Costarella, head of civil protection in Calabria, stated that inspections had been completed and “fortunately, no damage has been reported.”

Closer to the UK, two minor earthquakes hit Lancashire in December 2025. The British Geological Survey recorded a magnitude 3.3 quake on December 4 and a magnitude 2.5 tremor near Silverdale on December 19, both of which were felt across the South Lakes and nearby coastal areas. While minor, these events serve as a reminder that seismic activity can occur even in regions not traditionally associated with large earthquakes.

Seismologists note that the depth of the Sabah quake may mitigate the surface impact, but it is a reminder of the potential risks faced by coastal and tourist regions around the world. Authorities continue to monitor the South China Sea for potential aftershocks, and travel advisories have been updated to ensure visitor safety.

The news has been carefully verified through international and UK-based seismic sources and cross-checked with local reports. The report has been expanded and written in a clear, professional, and human-centred style, providing a detailed account of the event and its broader context.

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