DILI, 20 August 2026 (TATOLI) – Thousands of people have been displaced after around 1,000 homes were destroyed in a huge fire that broke out early on Sunday at the water village of Kampung Bahagia.
According to Sandakan police, more than 9,000 residents have been affected by the fire, although no deaths have been reported, Bernama reported.
Authorities said thousands of residents living in the makeshift stilt houses built over water were forced to flee as the blaze swept through the settlement.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said that authorities received reports of the fire in the Sandakan district at about 1:32 a.m. (1732 GMT).
“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,” Lagung said in a statement, as cited by Reuters.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said those affected by the fire would be temporarily relocated to safe areas to receive basic assistance.
He said in a Facebook post that the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to ensure temporary accommodation is provided as soon as possible.
Sandakan Municipal Council president Datuk Walter Kenson said two relief centres have been opened, including Sekolah Kebangsaan Gas and the Batu Sapi People’s Housing Project hall.
TATOLI
