KUALA LUMPUR: A devastating fire in a coastal village in Sabah, Malaysia, has left hundreds of people homeless. Reports indicate that the blaze destroyed around 200 homes on Sunday, as shared by the state news agency, Bernama.
The fire broke out in the Sandakan district around 1:32 a.m. (1732 GMT). According to Jimmy Lagung, the district’s fire and rescue chief, the fire spread quickly due to strong winds and the close arrangement of the wooden houses, which are built on stilts. He added that low tide made it hard to access enough water to combat the flames.
This incident occurred in one of Sabah’s water villages, which are known for their wooden stilt houses and often house some of the poorest communities, including many who are stateless and from indigenous backgrounds. So far, approximately 445 people have been reported displaced, as mentioned by Bernama, based on unofficial figures from a temporary relief center in Sandakan.
In response to the tragedy, Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the federal government is working closely with local authorities to provide essential support and temporary shelter for those affected. He emphasized the immediate need for safety and assistance for the victims via a post on Facebook.
