Fire destroys nearly 200 homes in Malaysia’s Sabah, hundreds displaced

Fire destroys nearly 200 homes in Malaysia’s Sabah, hundreds displaced
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A large fire that broke out in a coastal village in eastern Malaysia’s Sabah state has destroyed around 200 homes and displaced hundreds of residents, authorities said, as emergency crews continue relief and recovery efforts.

According to Malaysia’s national news agency Bernama, the fire was reported at approximately 1:32 a.m. local time on Sunday in the Sandakan area. Officials said strong winds and the close proximity of houses accelerated the spread of the flames.

Fire and rescue authorities noted that the structure of the settlement—comprising mostly wooden homes built on stilts over water—contributed to the rapid escalation of the blaze and complicated firefighting operations. Low tide conditions further limited access to open water sources, slowing containment efforts.

Preliminary figures indicate that about 445 people have been displaced and registered at a temporary relief center in Sandakan. No immediate casualties have been reported, although assessments of damage are ongoing.

Malaysian authorities said the federal government is coordinating with Sabah state officials to provide emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food supplies, and essential services. Officials emphasized that ensuring the safety and welfare of affected residents remains the top priority.

Coastal villages in Sabah are considered particularly vulnerable to fires due to high population density, limited infrastructure, and the widespread use of highly flammable construction materials.