A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Malaysia early Monday, seismologists said, marking one of the strongest quakes recorded near the country in recent history.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the quake occurred at 12:57 a.m. local time (1657 GMT) about 55 kilometers (34 miles) north-northwest of Kota Belud in Sabah on the island of Borneo. It had an estimated depth of around 620 kilometers, meaning the shaking originated deep beneath the Earth’s surface.

Despite the quake’s strength, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or major damage, and local authorities said there is no tsunami warning in effect. The U.S. Tsunami Warning Center indicated that the depth and offshore location of the quake significantly reduce the likelihood of a tsunami.

Residents in Sabah’s west coast and parts of neighboring Sarawak reported feeling tremors, though officials said no injuries have been confirmed and that damage assessments are ongoing. The Malaysian Meteorological Department has said it will continue to closely monitor conditions.

Malaysia lies outside the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” yet it occasionally experiences strong tremors triggered by seismic activity in neighboring regions, such as Indonesia and the southern Philippines.

Due to its unusually strong magnitude and depth, the quake is among the most significant seismic events recorded near Malaysian territory, reflecting the complex tectonic dynamics of Southeast Asia.

Authorities have not yet issued detailed advisories for residents, but emergency response teams are expected to remain on alert as follow-up evaluations continue. (ILKHA)