The Sabah-Safe Earthquake Guide: Essential Steps for Every Citizen
The Magnitude 7.1 earthquake on February 22, 2026, was a wake-up call. While its extreme depth (620 km) spared us from damage, it reminded everyone from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau that Sabah remains Malaysia’s most active seismic zone.
Earthquakes don’t give warnings, but they do reward the prepared. Use this precise guide to protect your home and loved ones.
1. The “Action Plan”: What to do During the Shaking
Forget everything you’ve seen in movies about running outside or standing in doorways. Modern safety is built on three words: Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
- DROP: Get down on your hands and knees immediately. This protects you from being knocked down and allows you to crawl if needed.
- COVER: Take shelter under a sturdy table or desk. If no shelter is nearby, crawl to an interior wall away from windows. Cover your head and neck with your arms.
- HOLD ON: Stay under your shelter until the shaking stops. Be prepared to move with the table if it shifts.
⚠️ Pro-Tip: If you are in bed, stay there. Turn face down and cover your head with a pillow. You are safer there than trying to walk on a moving floor.
2. The “Survival Kit”: Your 72-Hour Grab-Bag
In a major quake, electricity and water may be cut off. Every Sabahan household should have a “Grab-and-Go” bag kept near the front door.
| Essential Item | Purpose |
| Water (9 Liters) | 3 Liters per person per day for 3 days. |
| Dry Rations | Biscuits, energy bars, and canned food (with a manual opener). |
| Whistle | To alert rescuers (shouting wears you out and fills lungs with dust). |
| Power Bank | Fully charged to monitor MetMalaysia or NADMA alerts. |
| First Aid & Meds | Bandages, antiseptic, and a 1-week supply of personal medication. |
| Flashlight | With extra batteries (do not use candles/matches due to gas leak risks). |
3. The “Home Audit”: Earthquake-Proof Your Space
Most injuries in earthquakes are caused by “non-structural” falling objects—not building collapses.
- Secure the Heavies: Bolt tall wardrobes, refrigerators, and bookshelves to the wall using L-brackets.
- Clear the Exits: Ensure hallways and front doors are free of shoe racks or boxes that could tip over and block your escape.
- Safe Sleeping: Do not hang heavy mirrors or pictures directly above beds.
4. Post-Quake: The Critical 30 Minutes
- Check for Gas: If you smell gas (rotten eggs), open windows and leave the building immediately. Do not touch electrical switches.
- Avoid Elevators: Always use the stairs. A minor aftershock can trap you in an elevator.
- Move to High Ground (Coastal Only): If you are near the beach and feel a strong shake that lasts more than 20 seconds, move inland or to higher ground immediately. Don’t wait for a siren.
- Trust the Pros: Monitor official channels like MetMalaysia or NADMA on social media. Avoid sharing unverified “viral” messages on WhatsApp.
Building Resilience Together
Since the 2015 Ranau earthquake, many buildings in Sabah have been built or retrofitted to meet Eurocode 8 seismic standards. If you live in a newer high-rise (post-2017), the building is designed to sway. Swaying is a sign of safety, as the building is absorbing energy rather than snapping.
Source: Gemini
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