The fire erupted in a coastal village in Sandakan district around 1:32 am today (0:32 am Hanoi time). It completely destroyed over 1,000 temporary stilt homes across a 4-hectare area, the Sabah Fire and Rescue Department stated.
Fire in a coastal village in Sabah state, Malaysia on 19/4. Video: *X/WeatherMonitors*.
The department dispatched 37 firefighters from two stations to extinguish the flames. However, narrow roads prevented specialized vehicles from reaching the scene. Low tide also hindered firefighters from accessing water sources, while strong winds intensified the blaze.
No casualties were reported in the fire, and the Sabah Fire Department assessed the situation in the area as no longer dangerous. George Abd Rakman, Sandakan district police chief, stated that this "heartbreaking incident of very large scale" has affected over 9,000 people.
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The scene of the fire in a coastal village in Sabah state, Malaysia on 19/4. Photo: *AFP*.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the Malaysian government is coordinating with local authorities to provide aid and shelter to those affected as soon as possible. "The current priority is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance at the scene," he declared.
The affected village is home to one of Malaysia's poorest communities, comprising both local residents and stateless individuals. They live in closely packed wooden houses, many of which are built on stilts over the water.
Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, AP, Reuters)
