Massive Fire Destroys 1,000 Homes in Malaysia’s Sabah, Thousands Displaced
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Kuala Lumpur: A major fire has destroyed around 1,000 makeshift stilt houses in a coastal village in Sabah, displacing thousands of residents, authorities said.
The blaze broke out early Sunday in a “water village” in the Sandakan district, an area where many low-income, indigenous, and stateless communities live in tightly packed wooden homes built over water.
Police said about 9,007 people were affected by the “large-scale and heartbreaking incident,” according to Sandakan police chief George Abd Rakman.
Fire officials said around 1,000 homes were completely destroyed across a 10-acre area. Strong winds and low tide conditions made firefighting efforts difficult, limiting access to water sources.
The fire department deployed dozens of personnel to bring the blaze under control. No injuries or deaths were reported, and officials later confirmed there was no further danger.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government is working with Sabah authorities to provide emergency aid and temporary shelter for those affected, with immediate support being prioritised.
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