SIBU, Feb. 13 -- The public has been urged to keep a safe distance from a partially collapsed row of shophouses along Jalan Pahlawan after the entire eight-unit block subsided by about three feet in the early hours of Friday.

Sibu Municipal Council (MPS) chairman Clarence Ting said the incident occurred at around 2.30am, leaving the structure unstable and at risk of further movement.

"The structure is still shifting and not safe. We urge members of the public not to cross the yellow safety lines as falling debris remains a real danger," he told reporters at the scene on Friday morning.

Firefighters were immediately dispatched after being alerted to the incident and have since secured the perimeter to prevent onlookers from entering the...