Massive Fire Destroys 200 Stilt Homes, Displaces Hundreds in Malaysian Water Village

Sandakan: A massive fire tore through the waterfront village of Kampung Bahajia in Sandakan, Malaysia today, destroying nearly 200 wooden stilt homes and displacing hundreds of residents. According to Oman News Agency, Jimmy Lagung, head of the city's fire and rescue station, said firefighting efforts were still underway and the blaze had not yet been contained. He noted that crews were struggling to reach the site due to narrow roads, which were hindering the movement of fire engines. Strong winds and the close proximity of the homes fuelled the rapid spread of the fire, while low tide conditions made it difficult to secure an open water source, he added. Datuk Walter Kenson, head of the city's disaster management committee, declared a state of emergency following the blaze and activated a temporary relief centre to accommodate the displaced. He confirmed that the damaged homes were no longer habitable. According to unofficial figures, around 445 people from 89 families have been displaced.