Fire razes 200 homes in Sabah, leaving hundreds homeless | News
Fire Displaces 445 in Sabah, Malaysia; Relief Efforts Underway
SANDAKAN, Malaysia — A fire destroyed approximately 200 homes in a coastal village in Sabah state, displacing 445 residents, according to the state news agency Bernama.
Authorities received reports of the fire around 1:32 a.m. local time on Sunday. Jimmy Lagung, the district’s fire and rescue chief, noted that strong winds and the close proximity of the homes contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. Low tide conditions also hindered access to nearby water sources for firefighting efforts.
The fire occurred in one of Sabah’s water villages, characterized by wooden houses built on stilts. These communities often include some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations, including stateless individuals and indigenous groups.
Datuk Walter Kenson, head of the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee, confirmed that inspections revealed the damaged homes are no longer safe for habitation.
In response, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated the federal government is collaborating with local authorities to ensure affected residents receive immediate aid and temporary relocation. “The priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he said in a post on social media.
