SANDAKAN, Malaysia, April 19 (V7N) — A massive fire tore through a coastal “water village” in Sabah state, destroying about 1,000 makeshift stilt homes and displacing more than 9,000 residents, authorities said Sunday.
Scale of destruction

The blaze broke out early Sunday morning in Sandakan district, engulfing closely packed wooden houses built on stilts over water. The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said the fire consumed an estimated 10 acres of temporary floating homes, all of which were “100 percent burnt.”
Challenges for firefighters

The department noted that narrow access routes prevented fire engines from reaching the site, while low sea tide made it difficult to draw water. Strong winds further fueled the flames. A total of 37 personnel from two stations were deployed.
Human impact

Sandakan police chief George Abd Rakman described the incident as a “very large‑scale and heartbreaking” tragedy, affecting 9,007 residents, many from indigenous and stateless communities. Despite the devastation, no injuries or fatalities were reported.
Government response

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to provide immediate assistance and temporary accommodation. “The priority now is the safety of victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

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