A magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck the North Sumatra region of Indonesia at 6:54 pm local time on August 15, 2026, near coordinates 2.9°N, 98.8°E, at a depth of 154 km, about 37 km southwest of Pematangsiantar [1].

Tremors lasting several minutes were felt across Penang and parts of Perak in Malaysia following the quake [2, 3, 1, 4]. In Penang, residents reported shaking from 7:23 pm to 7:27 pm at nine locations covering all five districts of the state, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow. He said, "The Operations Centre received calls from members of the public between 7.23pm and 7.27pm (on Saturday) reporting tremors at nine locations across all five districts in Penang" [2].

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) dispatched operational teams of 36 officers along with nine fire engines to monitor the affected areas [2, 3, 4]. Chow said, "Following this, JBPM operational teams were deployed to the affected locations to conduct monitoring, involving 36 officers and personnel, as well as nine fire engines" [2]. Fire and Rescue Department director Mohamad Shoki Hamzah confirmed the teams were inspecting locations on Penang Island and Seberang Perai, noting, "Our personnel have gone to the locations and are conducting further inspections" [1].

Residents described feeling tremors for about two to three minutes with visible shaking of hanging lights, ceiling fans, and water inside homes. One resident, Syahirah Mokhtar, said, "Many residents initially did not realise that the tremors were caused by an earthquake because they thought they were feeling dizzy. But some noticed that the hanging lights and ceiling fans in their homes were swaying, so we all decided to go downstairs because we were worried that something might happen" [1].

Tremors were also reported on social media from several locations in Perak including Kuala Kangsar, Alor Pongsu, Bagan Serai, Teluk Intan, Ulu Kinta, Meru, and Ipoh [1]. As of early August 16, the Perak Fire and Rescue Department had not received any emergency calls related to the earthquake [1].

No injuries were reported in Penang or Perak following the tremors [2, 3, 4]. Chow noted that the state government would maintain contact with JBPM and other rescue agencies to monitor the situation and provide updates [3].

Earlier on August 15, a larger magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, killing at least 38 people [2, 3, 4].