Malaysia safe from direct effects of tsunami

An earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale struck off the coast of northern Sumatra, (near Nias Island on Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at 12:09 am local Malaysian time -1609 GMT).

The epicentre which was located at 2'04'35'N 97'00'58'E,30 km (18.6 miles) below the surface of the Indian Ocean, is 200 km west of Sibolga, Sumatra, or 1400 km northwest of Jakarta (halfway between the islands of Nias and Simeulue). States a press release from the Malysian High Commissioner.

The tsunami alert issued was withdrawn six hours later after sensing danger had passed. Although tremors were felt in several areas throughout the country, there was no casualty or infrastructure damage anywhere in Malaysia. The Malaysian authorities are monitoring the situation and it is business as usual in Malaysia.

Deputy Prime Minister Dato 'Seri Najib Tun Razak who is also the Chairman of the National Disaster Management and Relief Committee, has advised those living near coastal areas of Perak, Penang, Langkawi and Perlis to be cautious and alert at all times. In Malaysia, where such natural disasters and calamities are a rare occurrence, the situation is very much under control.

Since Peninsular Malaysia is sheltered by the island of Sumatra and not directly exposed to the Indian Ocean, it is relatively safe from the direct effects of any tsunami aftershock.