Malaysia Fire: 200 Homes Destroyed in Sabah State, Hundreds Homeless

A devastating fire swept through a coastal village in Malaysia's Sabah state, destroying approximately 200 homes and leaving hundreds of people without a place to live.

The fire broke out in the Sandakan district at around 1:32 AM on Sunday (17:32 GMT, Saturday), according to the district's fire and rescue chief, Jimmy Lagung. The blaze spread rapidly due to strong winds and the close proximity of the houses, which are built on stilts in one of Sabah's water villages.

The affected community includes some of the country's poorest residents, such as stateless and indigenous groups. As of now, about 445 people have been displaced and are registered at a temporary relief center in Sandakan.

The head of the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee, Datuk Walter Kenson, stated that the homes of the affected residents are no longer safe to live in. In response, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to provide basic assistance and temporary relocation for those affected.

The priority, according to the Prime Minister, is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground. The government is working to address the immediate needs of the displaced individuals.