Fire in Malaysian Water Village Destroys Thousand Houses, Affects Over 9,000
A massive fire in a coastal water village in Sabah, Malaysia, destroyed around 1,000 houses, leaving over 9,000 people homeless.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 22:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 22:31 (31 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 22:42 (10 min after Collected)
Central News Agency
(CNA, Kuala Lumpur, 19th) Malaysian authorities stated that a massive fire broke out today in a coastal village in Sabah, destroying about 1,000 makeshift houses, many of which were stilt houses built over water, leaving thousands homeless.
According to AFP, the fire occurred early this morning in a "water village" in the Sandakan area of northeastern Sabah. The wooden stilt houses here are densely packed, housing some of Malaysia's most impoverished residents, including indigenous people and stateless individuals.
According to a report by the local English daily "The Star," Sandakan district police chief George Abd Rakman pointed out that this "very massive and heartbreaking incident" affected 9,007 residents.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department stated that they received a report of the fire at 1:32 AM (17:32 GMT on the 18th) and immediately dispatched 37 personnel from two stations to extinguish the blaze.
According to the fire department's statement, the fire "spread to about 1,000 temporary water houses, covering a total area of about 10 acres, all of which were completely burned down."
The statement also noted that narrow pathways made it difficult for fire trucks to reach the scene, and the low tide made it hard for firefighters to draw water from open sources, while strong winds further fueled the fire.
According to the statement, no casualties have been reported so far, and the situation is no longer dangerous.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to quickly provide aid and temporary shelters for the affected victims.
Anwar posted on Facebook saying that the top priority is to ensure the safety of the victims and provide immediate assistance at the scene. (Translated by Yang Chao-yen) 1150419
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(CNA, Kuala Lumpur, 19th) Malaysian authorities stated that a massive fire broke out today in a coastal village in Sabah, destroying about 1,000 makeshift houses, many of which were stilt houses built over water, leaving thousands homeless.
According to AFP, the fire occurred early this morning in a "water village" in the Sandakan area of northeastern Sabah. The wooden stilt houses here are densely packed, housing some of Malaysia's most impoverished residents, including indigenous people and stateless individuals.
According to a report by the local English daily "The Star," Sandakan district police chief George Abd Rakman pointed out that this "very massive and heartbreaking incident" affected 9,007 residents.
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department stated that they received a report of the fire at 1:32 AM (17:32 GMT on the 18th) and immediately dispatched 37 personnel from two stations to extinguish the blaze.
According to the fire department's statement, the fire "spread to about 1,000 temporary water houses, covering a total area of about 10 acres, all of which were completely burned down."
The statement also noted that narrow pathways made it difficult for fire trucks to reach the scene, and the low tide made it hard for firefighters to draw water from open sources, while strong winds further fueled the fire.
According to the statement, no casualties have been reported so far, and the situation is no longer dangerous.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the federal government is coordinating with Sabah authorities to quickly provide aid and temporary shelters for the affected victims.
Anwar posted on Facebook saying that the top priority is to ensure the safety of the victims and provide immediate assistance at the scene. (Translated by Yang Chao-yen) 1150419
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you make is the power to protect press freedom.
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The text, images, and audio/video of this website cannot be reproduced, broadcasted, transmitted or used without authorization.