Penang: Tremors from a moderate earthquake that struck North Sumatra, Indonesia, were felt by residents in Penang, particularly in areas near the sea. Penang Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah reported receiving two alerts regarding tremors believed to be linked to the earthquake in the neighboring country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the fire department received calls from a residential area in Block 1, Taman Selatan in Jelutong, and a hotel in George Town at around 5.15 pm. Residents reported experiencing tremors in their vicinity. Fire department teams were dispatched to conduct inspections, and it was confirmed that the locations were safe with no structural damage reported.

The department continues to monitor the situation to ensure that no buildings are adversely affected by the tremors. Meanwhile, Fatin Syafiqah Ahmad Rozi, a resident of Apartment Desa Baiduri in Farlim, mentioned that she and her family experienced the tremors for several minutes. Initially mistaking it for a headache, it was only when neighbors inquired about the incident that they realized the tremors were due to an earthquake in Indonesia.

Another resident, Nur Hafizah Mustafa from Jelutong, noted that the tremors were strong enough to cause items in her house to move. Concerned for her family’s safety, she checked on her young son and joined neighbors outside as they sought information about the cause of the tremors.

Earlier, MetMalaysia announced that the earthquake in North Sumatra measured 5.9 on the Richter scale and was felt across the West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. However, there is no tsunami threat to the country.