The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has clarified that the tsunami alert siren heard in Kota Belud, Sabah early Saturday morning was a false alarm caused by a technical issue. The siren was triggered at the National Tsunami Early Warning System installation located on the grounds of the Imam Hj Mustapah mosque. MetMalaysia did not issue any tsunami warning and apologizes for any confusion and difficulties caused by the incident.
In a statement, MetMalaysia advised the public to obtain information on earthquakes and tsunamis from their official sources. These include the Meteorological Department website at www.met.gov.my, the myCuaca mobile app, MetMalaysia’s official social media, or the hotline at 1-300-22-1638.