AROUND 130 climbers on Mount Kinabalu are to start descending the mountain tonight after a 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck Ranau, Sabah, tonight.

State tourism minister Masidi Manjun said he had ordered a temporary suspension of all climbing activities at the Mount Kinabalu National Park following the quake at 9.06pm.

“All climbers & mountain guides to return to Park Headquarters immediately,” he tweeted tonight.

A 2.8-magnitude aftershock followed the quake at 9.27pm, the Malaysian Meteorological Department said on its Facebook page. There is no tsunami alert, it added.

It should take the climbers about three hours to reach the park headquarters at the Timpohon Gate.

Sabah Parks director Jamili Nais earlier said all climbers on Mount Kinabalu are safe.

A photo of climbers gathering outside the Sutera Sanctuary Lodge at Laban Rata in the night after the quake is being shared widely on chat groups.

Workers at the lodge earlier said the ground at Laban Rata shook and rocks were seen rolling down from the mountain. – March 8, 2018.