Kuala lumpur: A moderate earthquake measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale struck the Philippine Islands region at 12.13 pm today. The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) confirmed that the epicentre was located at coordinates 7.3 degrees north and 127.1 degrees east, at a depth of 65 kilometres.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the earthquake occurred 136 kilometres southeast of Bislig, Philippines. MetMalaysia assured that the tremor did not pose any tsunami threat to Malaysia, alleviating concerns of potential aftereffects in the region.

Earlier in the day, a stronger earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale was reported in the same region at 11.03 am, underscoring the seismic activity in the area. Despite the earlier, more powerful quake, no tsunami threat has been issued for Malaysia.