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A massive inferno has destroyed about 1,000 homes in Sandakan, Sabah, displacing over 9,000 residents from a coastal village
According to the New Straits Times, Sandakan district police chief ACP George Abd Rakman said authorities received a report about the fire in Kampung Bahagiaat at 1.30am yesterday, 19 April.
Initial reports indicated that about 200 stilt houses, elevated structures typically built over water on wooden poles, were affected.
However, by 4am, the situation had escalated significantly, and the area was declared a disaster zone.
"The area comprises about 1,200 houses, of which approximately 1,000 were affected, involving 9,007 residents.
"Thankfully, the fire was brought under control by the fire and rescue department," George said.
Bernama reported that narrow pathways within the floating village made it difficult for firefighters to access the area, hindering the movement of fire engines.
"Strong winds and the close proximity of the houses caused the fire to spread rapidly, while low tide conditions also made it difficult to obtain an open water source," said Sandakan fire and rescue station chief Jimmy Lagung.
Police have confirmed that there have been no reported fatalities so far
George dismissed claims circulating on social media alleging deaths resulting from the fire.
"There are claims of deaths. I wish to stress that, so far, I have not received any reports of loss of life. Those injured were likely hurt while trying to save their belongings or assisting others," he added.
Meanwhile, the village head believes the fire may have started due to a cooking mishap
"I was informed that the fire started from a resident who was cooking but left the stove for a while.
"When he returned, the food had dried up and the fire had already started.
"He tried to put it out using a cloth, but the cloth caught fire. Then he tried using wood, but the flames grew bigger and spread rapidly," The Vibes quoted Kampung Bahagia village head Sharif Hashim as saying.
He added that the fire is believed to have originated in Lorong A before quickly spreading across the densely built settlement, affecting nearly 90% of the village.
The incident has drawn global attention, with videos of the blaze going viral online
International news outlets such as The New York Times, Reuters, The Guardian, BBC, and Al Jazeera have reported on the tragedy.
Many of these reports highlighted that Kampung Bahagia is home to some of the poorest communities, including stateless individuals and indigenous groups.
Responding to the crisis, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is working with Sabah authorities to temporarily relocate those affected.
"The priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground," he said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Footage of the fire can be found in the Buletin TV3 news segment below:
