Singapore − Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) announced the commission of Sabah Quake, a one-hour special that returns to ground zero to examine the events and aftermath of the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that shook Sabah, Malaysia. With unparalleled access to Mount Kinabalu since the tragedy, the programme also evaluates the likelihood of future earthquakes in the region.

Charmaine Kwan, Vice President of Programming – DNAP, said, “Discovery continues to deliver topical content about events that have gripped the region. Sabah Quake attempts to piece together the latest findings on the tragedy and aims to provide insight into the science of the disaster. At the core of the special, are touching human stories of bravery and human resilience – a fitting tribute to those whose lives were lost, and the ones they have left behind.”

At 7.15am on 5 June, the Earth’s tectonic plates violently shifted, causing a huge earthquake that rocked Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia’s tallest peak and a tourist destination famed for its hiking trails and stunning view. The quake stranded hundreds of climbers, and left 18 people – including hikers and mountain guides – dead. While the human tragedy made the headlines, there is also a chilling air of uncertainty unfolding in the international seismic community. Urgent questions are now being asked concerning how an earthquake of this magnitude could have happened in a largely “earthquake free” part of the world. And with once dormant fault lines under Malaysia now displaying signs of renewed activity, what are the possible implications for the surrounding regions?

Discovery Channel’s cameras follow British Malaysian host Henry Golding back to his homeland of East Malaysia, in an attempt to investigate why and how the earthquake happened. With the assistance and expertise of Mount Kinabalu guides who had rescued climbers stranded on that fateful day, Henry will retrace the path of survivors to reveal their harrowing experience. Henry’s journey will continue to Kuala Lumpur where he will learn about Malaysia and the region’s susceptibility to future earthquakes, travelling with seismic expects to witness for himself evidence of newly shifting fault lines visible on the ground. The programme will also feature actual footage of the earthquake and emotional accounts of those who lived through the ordeal.

Sabah Quake is commissioned by DNAP, and executive produced by Emile Guertin for DNAP and Ira Rakiz Tuffile for Matavia Reka.