A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar sent unexpected tremors through Penang on Friday, startling office workers in high-rise buildings across the city.
The quake, which struck at 2.21pm, was centred approximately 55km southwest of Mandalay at a depth of 57km, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.
Buletin Mutiara writer M. Thanushalini, 38, felt dizzy while working on the 47th floor, initially dismissing the sensation.
“I was in the middle of typing an article when I unexpectedly experienced vertigo. At first, I thought I was feeling dizzy as it only lasted a few seconds, so I continued working.”
Her experience was echoed by Penang Economic Planning Unit assistant secretary Zeulqarnain Wahid, 33, who noticed decorative Hari Raya lights swaying in his 26th-floor office.
“The Hari Raya decorative lights in our office began to sway, and I felt lightheaded. Several colleagues also mentioned feeling the same, and we realised it was unusual.”
Komtar, Penang’s tallest building, also reported noticeable tremors. Workers described sudden moments of vertigo and lightheadedness, with some witnessing objects moving unexpectedly.
Fortunately, no tsunami threats were detected in Malaysia following the earthquake, and no immediate evacuations were necessary. For many long-time residents like Thanushalini, who has worked in the building for eight years, these tremors were a rare and unsettling experience.
