MALAYSIA has lifted tsunami warnings issued for parts of Sabah after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, prompting regional concern and triggering emergency preparedness measures across affected coastal areas.
The development came as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed Malaysia’s solidarity with the Philippines and offered assistance following the disaster, which has claimed at least eight lives according to preliminary reports from Philippine authorities.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Anwar conveyed sympathy to those affected and reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to provide support.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Filipino people. Malaysia stands ready to render whatever assistance may be required,” he said.
The Prime Minister noted that the earthquake's effects were also felt in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, where tremors prompted heightened monitoring by authorities and emergency agencies.
“Malaysia and the Philippines are close friends and ASEAN partners. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected, wishing them strength and courage in the difficult days ahead,” he added.
The earthquake struck off Mindanao at 7.37am local time at a depth of 50 kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 5.7 degrees north and longitude 125.1 degrees east.
Earlier, the Malaysian Meteorological Department warned that tsunami waves of up to 0.4 metres could affect coastal districts in Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu between 10.30am and noon.
However, the threat later subsided. In a Facebook update issued at approximately 12.20pm, the national weather agency announced that all tsunami warnings had been lifted effective from noon.
The agency also stated that the notice would serve as its final update regarding the earthquake unless further developments emerge.
The cancellation of the warning brought relief to residents along Sabah’s east coast, where tremors from the earthquake had been felt earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, The Straits Times reported the Philippine civil defence office saying at least eight fatalities have been recorded in the aftermath of the earthquake, although officials stressed that the figures remain subject to verification as assessments continue in affected areas.
The disaster has once again underscored the vulnerability of Southeast Asia’s seismically active regions and highlighted the importance of close cooperation among ASEAN member states in responding to natural emergencies that transcend national borders. - June 8, 2026
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