IPOH - A sudden tremor and loud boom sent residents and workers around Ipoh into panic on Monday morning, with many rushing out of their buildings for safety.
Several areas here experienced a strong tremor at around 11am, lasting only a few seconds but enough to cause alarm among the public.
Witnesses also reported hearing a loud boom accompanying the tremor, heightening the sense of urgency.
In Medan Istana, office workers were seen running out of their buildings.
An employee at a law firm, M.Diviya, 30, described the moment of panic.
"The tremor occurred suddenly and at the same time, I heard a booming sound like an explosion from above.
"My colleagues and I did not wait long. We immediately left the office because we feared a collapse," she said.
She later contacted the Department of Minerals and Geoscience (JMG) to report the incident.
"JMG told us that they had also received several similar complaints regarding the tremor," she added.
For another worker, Noor Zaiti Nabilah Ahmad, 32, it was a first-time experience.
"It was definitely frightening but thankfully, nothing undesirable happened. The tremor lasted only for a short while," she said.
The tremor was also felt in various other locations, including Tasek, Perak Stadium, Meru, Falim, Manjoi and by drivers on the North-South Expressway near the Menora Tunnel.
Speculation arose on social media, with some suggesting that the tremor might have been caused by quarry activities in the area.
As of now, the Department of Minerals and Geoscience has not issued any official statements or updates concerning the tremor.