Penang CM: State remains under control after North Sumatra earthquake tremors

George Town, Aug 16 — Penang remains under control following tremors from an earthquake in North Sumatra, Indonesia, according to Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. No injuries have been reported as of early today. The state government received calls between 7.23 pm and 7.27 pm (yesterday) from residents reporting tremors at nine locations across the five districts in Penang.

In response, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) dispatched operational teams, comprising 36 officers and personnel, along with nine fire engines, to monitor the affected areas. Chow pledged to maintain communication with JBPM and other relevant rescue agencies for ongoing updates on the situation. A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck North Sumatra on Saturday evening, just hours after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, resulting in at least 38 fatalities. Tremors lasting several minutes were subsequently felt in multiple areas of Penang and Perak.