A large fire early Sunday destroyed roughly 1,000 makeshift homes in a coastal “water village” in Sandakan district, Sabah, on Malaysia’s part of Borneo, leaving many residents homeless. The settlement, made up of wooden stilt houses packed closely together, is home to some of Malaysia’s poorest people, including indigenous and stateless communities.
The blaze was reported at about 01:32 a.m. (1732 GMT), Sabah Fire and Rescue chief Jimmy Lagung said. Fire crews from two stations — a total of 37 personnel — were deployed to fight the flames. Responders faced difficulties reaching parts of the settlement because of narrow access routes and low tide, which also limited available open water to help extinguish the blaze.
Lagung said strong winds and the dense clustering of the stilt houses helped the fire spread quickly. The department estimated roughly 10 acres were affected. Authorities reported no injuries or fatalities and said the scene was no longer dangerous once the main flames were brought under control.
Sandakan police chief George Abd Rakman called the incident “very large-scale and heartbreaking,” saying some 9,007 residents were impacted by the destruction.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government was coordinating with Sabah state and local officials to deliver immediate aid and arrange temporary accommodation for those displaced. “The priority now is the safety of victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he said.
Local and federal agencies are organizing relief and assessing needs for longer-term support as survivors seek shelter and basic necessities.
Edited by: Saim Dušan Inayatullah