FRIDAY, 5 JUNE – Parents of students studying at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) are advised not to panic and worry about the safety of their children with regards to the earthquake of 6.0 magnitude on the Richter Scale that had an impact at several areas in Sabah, early this morning.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Mohd. Harun Abdullah, there were no reported injuries and damage at the university, including those at Labuan International Campus and Sandakan Campus.
“All staff of UMS including students are in safe, but a thorough investigation is now being conducted to ensure that the buildings and the university environment are safe,” he said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu.
He explained that the investigation was carried out through the establishment of the Natural Disaster Investigation Team covering all buildings and hill slopes in the campus.
He said the team, led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Shahril Yusof expected the investigation report to be completed by 3.00 pm today.
“UMS administration also distributed safety leaflets through its website on steps to take when facing with a similar situation in the future.
“We are always ready to help, cooperate and with the help of our geologists, study this earthquake,” Datuk Harun added.
Meanwhile, he vehemently denied the statement circulated through the social media application that there were aftershocks as a result of this earthquake.
“It is not true, and UMS never issued such a statement. If you want to get confirmation or validity of such information that uses UMS, please directly contact Media and Citra Division of UMS at 088-320000 extension 1493 or 1296,” he urged.
Meanwhile, a survey done by UMS media personnel found that students were still going about their daily routine and spending more time at UMS Library in preparation for their semester exams, which will start next week.
A video on the experience of some of our students on the earth quake can be viewed at UMS YouTube account at
.- SS & ZMD (fl)Media and Citra Division
