According to a statement from the meteorological department (MetMalaysia), the quake was detected 14km northwest of Ranau, Sabah, at a depth of 10km.

Tremors were also felt in Ranau, the statement read. 

The tremors were also felt by climbers on Mount Kinabalu.

Mountain guide Joeythine Musin, 29, said he and a group of climbers were descending from the summit when they felt them for a few seconds.

He was relieved that the tremors were not followed by falling rocks.

Meanwhile, the head of Panabalan substation at Kinabalu Park, Julaimin Kamin, said the situation at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint and the Panabalan Complex at Mount Kinabalu, was under control after the quake.

“There are 104 climbers scheduled to scale the mountain today and 110 others did just that.”   

A bundle item seller, Nordiana Zuhaidi, 34, said she was in her shop when she felt the tremors.

“It was over so quick. I was shocked but not panicked as everything was fine,” she said.

According to a Sabah fire and rescue department spokesman, no distress calls were received from villagers following the earthquake.

“Yes, the tremors were felt here, but no emergency calls were received. 

“Nevertheless, residents and villagers are advised to be vigilant and to always take precautionary measures for their safety.”