Kinabatangan:Sabah: The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MET Malaysia) is maintaining a continuous monitoring system for earthquake activity across Sabah using 28 seismic stations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MET Malaysia's director-general, Dr. Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip, stated that the department's comprehensive network allows for the swift detection and analysis of earthquakes. The seismic stations nearest to a recent earthquake's epicenter include Sapulut, 57.23 kilometers away; Keningau at 66.51 kilometers; Sandakan/Telupid at 74.36 kilometers; Matupang at 76.67 kilometers; and Tenom at 93.32 kilometers.

Dr. Mohd Hisham explained that while quake information is disseminated within six minutes of detection, this is contingent on data availability. He emphasized that current technology does not allow for the prediction of earthquakes. His statement came after a magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck Kuamut, Kinabatangan, at 5:32 am yesterday.

He also noted that while earthquakes cannot be predicted in terms of time, location, or magnitude, the seismic stations are crucial for determining a quake's magnitude post-event. Additionally, tsunami threats can be evaluated based on earthquake magnitude and related monitoring data. MET Malaysia issues relevant information and warnings if a tsunami threat is detected.

Dr. Mohd Hisham further mentioned that although adding more seismic stations or sensors can enhance local monitoring capabilities, it does not enable earlier earthquake predictions. He assured that MET Malaysia is committed to providing rapid, accurate, and verified information to the public and relevant agencies.

The public is urged to seek information on earthquakes and tsunamis solely through MET Malaysia's official channels.