EARTHQUAKE IN BORNEO - SABAH ADVISORY

On the morning of 5 June 2015, at 7:15am, tremors were experienced on the West Coast of Sabah with a magnitude of 5.9MMS. The Malaysian Meteorological Department informed that the epicentre was located at 16km northwest of Ranau. Tremors were felt at Kudat on the north, Kota Marudu, and in Beaufort, south of the capital city.

The Chief Minister of Sabah officially declared Monday 8 June 2015 as a Day of Mourning for the 18 mountain climbers who perished on Mount Kinabalu. The earthquake triggered an avalanche of boulders and rocks on the mountain. Search and rescue operations led by Malaysian forces and include the Kinabalu Park’s rangers and local mountain guides. The mountain trail leading to the summit had collapsed and disappeared stranding 138 tourists and mountain guides at 7.5km on the mountain slopes. Due to adverse mountain conditions, heavy clouds, fog and strong winds, helicopter air rescue could not land to uplift those stranded. The experienced and resourceful mountain guides were able to create an alternate new trail, enabling the climbers to descend.
The Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment has announced that mountain climbing activities will be suspended for three weeks to enable repair and restoration of the trails and mountain accommodations at Laban Rata and Gunting Lagadan located at 3,273 meter above sea level.

All roads in Sabah are fully accessible. All tourism activities in Sabah other than the mountain climbing are operating and open to visitors. The Music Fest held at the northernmost Tip of Borneo last weekend performed to record attendance and the audience were dazzled by music and the most beautiful sunsets. Kota Kinabalu is the Host City for the JCI Asia Pacific Conference (11-14 June) this week with more than 3,000 JCI members arriving. The annual Dragonboat Race by the Federation of Chinese Association Sabah will be held this weekend (13-14 June). The Colours of Sandakan will be launched on Thursday 11June by the Sandakan waterfront. Kudat will celebrate World Turtle Day on Sunday 14 June. On Thursday 18 June, Muslims all over the world including in Sabah, begin to observe the holy month of Ramadan, fasting from dawn to sunset. During this period there will be many food stalls selling delicious foods and desserts for the breaking of Fasts.
Safety and security in Sabah is like in any cities and towns anywhere around the world. Throughout Sabah, offices, banks, shops, businesses, night markets and nightlife entertainments are open are as usual, including in the ESSCOM (Eastern Sabah Security Command) areas.

We look forward to welcoming you to Sabah.

Terima Kasih. Thank you.

DATUK IRENE BENGGON CHARURUKS
General Manager/Board Director
SABAH TOURISM BOARD
Email: irene@sabahtourism.com
Tuesday June 9, 2015, 09:00 hours