A moderate earthquake measuring 4.8 on the Richter scale hit eastern Sabah, about 84km south-east of Sandakan and 94km east of Lahad Datu, at 4.34am today, Bernama reported.

A statement from the Meteorological Department said minor tremors were felt in the two towns but no damage was reported.

Lahad Datu deputy police chief DSP Michel Tingkah said he did not realise there was an earthquake and only heard about it from colleagues who felt the tremors.

Another statement from the Meteorological Department in Kuala Lumpur said an earthquake with magnitude 5.8 hit southern Sumatra, about 543km south-west of Melaka, at 3.56am today.