Naked Canadians blamed for 5.9 earthquake in Malaysia

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake that struck near Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia is being blamed on the exhibitionist stunt of Western tourists.

Malaysian officials blamed 10 tourists, who stripped down to pose naked for a photo on the mountain, for the earthquake on June 5 that killed over 16 people. Two people are still missing and one person is in a coma. Among the dead are seven Singaporeans, six Malaysians, and a Filipino, a Chinese, and a Japanese national.

The earthquake was reported to have triggered rock slides and dislodged boulders, and damaged roads and buildings.

Over 160 climbers were helped to safety by mountain guides.

Indigenous people regard the Borneo Island mountain, the highest peak in the country, as a sacred resting site for the spirits of the dead.

The group of tourists, who broke away from a tour to pose naked on May 30, included Lindsey and Danielle Petersen of Saskatchewan.

Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs is assisting the brother and sister, who have been barred from leaving Malaysia.

The Canadians could face charges in court for violating local laws.

Sabah state deputy chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin as well as members of the indigenous community believe the earthquake was caused by the tourists showing disrespect to the holy mountain. Their actions have angered and offended local residents.

In March 2014, two Canadians and two Australians were arrested for posing naked for photos at Machu Picchu in Peru. Peru's Ministry of Culture deemed it an affront to their cultural heritage.