A fire early Sunday morning destroyed about 200 homes in Kampung Bahagia, a water village in Sandakan.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department reported that the blaze broke out around 1.32am in the densely packed stilt village built over water.
The non-permanent wooden structures, each measuring about 300 square feet, were completely destroyed as the fire spread rapidly.
Firefighters from the Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations, totaling 35 personnel, arrived at the scene around 1.48am.
Challenges faced by firefighters
Narrow access routes prevented fire engines from reaching the site directly. Low tide limited access to open water sources, while strong winds and the close proximity of the houses accelerated the spread of the flames.
Firefighters relied on water from tankers and a pressurised hydrant at a nearby factory to combat the blaze.
As of Sunday morning, firefighting operations were still ongoing and the fire had not yet been brought under control.
No casualties were reported at the time of the latest update.
Zone Sandakan fire commander PgB Jasri Ab Jal led the operation, with assistance from Sabah Electricity, the Civil Defence Force and the police.
Government response and relief efforts
The federal government and the Sabah state government are working together to provide basic assistance and temporary accommodation as quickly as possible for the victims.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was shocked upon receiving reports of the fire, which destroyed hundreds of houses in the floating village.
“Therefore, the priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he said in a Facebook post.
A relief centre at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi was activated at 7am today to shelter the affected residents.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station chief Jimmy Lagung confirmed that the station received the emergency call at 1.32am, prompting the swift response from firefighters.
