KOTA KINABALU (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, BERNAMA) - More than 100 climbers rushed down to the safety point at Laban Rata in Mount Kinabalu after a 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Sabah's Ranau area on Thursday (March 8) night.

There were no reports of any casualties or damage in the 9.06pm incident, said former Mount Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association president Richard Soibi.

Kundasang residents said that it was quite a strong quake that lasted two to three seconds.

The tremors were felt on the western face of Mount Kinabalu from Kota Belud, Tamparuli, Kiulu and the city here as well as in Penampang and Papar.

According to Ranau Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) chief Jimmy Lagung, rocks were still falling due to the tremors, but rescuers were ready to face any possibility, adding that the FRD were currently conducting patrols with help from the police.

Mr Soibi could not immediately say if there were any damage to structures at the mountain top where a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit Mount Kinabalu in 2015, killing some 18 climbers and guides, including 10 Singaporeans.