No reports of casualties involving Malaysians in Sumatra quake - Zambry

SHAH ALAM - There has been no reports of casualties involving Malaysians following a 7.0-magnitude earthquake near Southern Sumatra, Indonesia, earlier this morning.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said the ministry was currently closely monitoring the situation, especially the aftershocks.

“So far, there has been no reports of casualties involving Malaysian citizens.

"However, Wisma Putra remains vigilant for any possible outcome from the earthquake and its aftershocks,” he told Sinar Daily.

He said the Malaysian Consulate General in Medan was keeping track of the situation.

The initial tsunami warning has also been lifted by the Indonesian authorities, Zambry added.

"Let’s pray for the safety of our neighbours in the affected areas, especially in Sumatra, Indonesia and for Malaysians who are there.

“May they always be protected,” he said when contacted.

Earlier this morning, a 7.1-magnitude earthquake rattled residents on islands west of Indonesia's Sumatra, forcing them to flee to higher ground before an hours-long tsunami warning was lifted.

No casualties or severe damage were reported.

Meawhile, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), tremors were felt in several states along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia following the major earthquake which occured at about 4am.

It said the epicentre of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake near Southern Sumatra was located at latitude 0.9 degrees south and longitude 98.3 degrees east with a depth of 49 kilometres (km) which is equivalent to 85km northwest from Siberut, Indonesia.

The tremors may have been felt in Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, it said.

However, the department said there was no tsunami threat to Malaysia.