No Malaysians involved in Taiwan earthquake - Wisma Putra

No Malaysians are involved in the powerful earthquake that hit southern Taiwan this morning.

However, a source from Wisma Putra said, the ministry will continue to monitor the situation and update the public accordingly.

“Malaysians in Taiwan are advised to be in touch with the Malaysian embassy in Taiwan and adhere to all instructions as well as safety precautions issued by Taiwanese authorities,” said the source in a SMS to Astro AWANI.

In a statement issued later, Wisma Putra said there are students and Malaysians living in the earthquake area, but all institutes of higher education and schools are on winter vacation and will only reopen on Feb 15.

“Most of the Malaysian students in the affected area are either on vacation or celebrating the Chinese New year in Malaysia,” said the statement.

The 6.4-magnitude quake caused an entire residential complex containing almost 100 homes toppled to the ground.

At least five reported dead and more than 30 feared trapped.

A 10-day old baby girl and a 40-year-old man were pulled dead from the building, with reports that around 30 more were still trapped inside.

Search and rescue efforts are still ongoing to find any survivors as quick as possible.

The quake was initially reported as having a magnitude of 6.7, but was downgraded to 6.4.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said a destructive Pacific-wide tsunami was not expected.

Taiwan lies near the junction of two tectonic plates and is regularly hit by earthquakes.

A strong 6.3-magnitude quake that hit central Taiwan in June 2013 killed four people and caused widespread landslides.

A 7.6-magnitude quake struck the island in September 1999 and killed around 2,400 people.