MALAYSIA is ready to assist the Philippines following a 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck off its southern region yesterday, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
In a Facebook post, Anwar expressed deep concern over the disaster, saying Malaysians sympathised with the Filipino people.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Filipino people. Malaysia stands ready to render whatever assistance may be required."
Anwar said tremors from the earthquake were felt in parts of Sabah, adding that the government was monitoring the situation and emergency services had been placed on full alert.
"Malaysia and the Philippines are close friends and Asean partners. I pray for the safety and well-being of all those affected, wishing them strength and courage in the difficult days ahead," he said.
The earthquake struck Mindanao at 7.37am at a depth of 50km, killing more than 30 people, damaging buildings and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
The Foreign Ministry said the Malaysian embassy was coordinating with Filipino authorities to ascertain the safety and well-being of Malaysians in the affected areas.
In a separate statement, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said no structural damage, dangerous sea-level rise or emergency incidents had been reported in the sate following a tsunami advisory triggered by the earthquake.
It said monitoring operations were carried out in coastal areas, residential settlements and high-risk locations in Lahad Datu, Tawau, Kunak and Semporna.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department had earlier advised that tsunami waves were expected to reach coastal areas in these districts between 10.30am and noon yesterday.
The advisory was lifted around noon.
Source: malaysia-offers-aid-philippines
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