Weak Ranau quake triggers memories
Published on: Saturday, August 27, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: It's a tremor, not an earthquake, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun of the "weak quake" measuring 4.0 on the Richter scale that hit Ranau on Friday morning. He believed it could have caused anxiety to many people because many are still traumatised by the June 5 deadly earthquake last year and perhaps "overly described" the incident."The first thing that came to their mind was the incident last year….
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"But as I have read online news earlier…it is only a weak earthquake – a weak earthquake and an earthquake are two different things. "For Sabahans who are quite used by this, we think of it merely as a tremor," said Masidi in an attempt put to rest anxiety among the public. He went on, adding: "Maybe we can do ourselves a favour for the tourism industry to not say stuff overly describing the seriousness but explain stuff the way it is." He was met after opening a solo art exhibition here.
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A 4.0 magnitude earthquake the epicenter of which was traced to a location 16km northwest of Ranau at a depth of 10km was felt by residents stretching from Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Penampang and also Kota Belud. "However, I am glad to hear that there are no casualties or injuries reported, except that there are some minor cracks in ceilings at a school in Ranau, but otherwise everything is okay," said Masidi, adding that the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon scheduled for this Oct 16 will be held as planned.
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He said careful consideration had been given to hold the event knowing that Ranau was prone to tremors, adding however, the ministry will see how things go as the day of the event draws closer. On June 5 last year, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck Ranau. Lasting for 30 seconds, the earthquake was said to be the strongest to affect Malaysia since 1976. Eighteen people died on Mount Kinabalu, with most of the dead being members of a group from Tanjong Katong Primary School in Singapore.Meanwhile, Education Director Maimunah Suhaibul confirmed that minor damages were recorded at SK Poring in Ranau, involving the school's computer lab. "The ceilings both inside and outside suffered some minor damages, some tiles were broken and small cracks were found on the wall," she said. Maimunah confirmed no students and teachers were injured in the school which housed around 146 pupils. Meanwhile, Ranau Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said the station had not received reports of any emergency or damage to property following the quake. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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