The Social Welfare Department has provided counselling to 56 people affected by last Friday's earthquake in Sabah, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.

They comprise families of those killed in the quake as well as people living in the quake-hit areas, she told reporters after visiting the people of Kampung Kiau Taburi last night.

The 5.9-magnitude earthquake killed 18 people – four mountain guides and 14 climbers – and caused damage to infrastructure and property.

Rohani visited the home of the widow of Joseph Selungin, a mountain guide who died in the quake, and said her two sons would be given a monthly allowance of RM100 until they turned 18.

"We will also help the widow, Rozitah Daimin, 27, by getting her to attend some skills course," she said.

Rozitah's mother, Seibit Longkou, 58, said the family was grateful to those who had offered help.