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April 19, 2026, 10:57 p.mApril 19, 2026, 11:10 p.m
According to authorities, up to 1,000 houses were destroyed in a major fire in the Malaysian coastal village of Sandakan. According to initial findings, there are no fatalities. Around 9,000 people were affected, the district police chief told reporters on site. Some residents suffered minor injuries as they tried to rescue personal belongings, The Star newspaper reported.
Fire broke out in the middle of the night
According to authorities, the fire broke out at around 1:30 a.m. (local time) in the densely populated Kampung Bahagia district in the Batu Sapi district and quickly spread to numerous stilt houses. The area includes around 1,200 pile dwellings. According to the newspaper Free Malaysia Today, around four hectares were destroyed – around five and a half football fields. According to the police chief, the area was declared a disaster zone at around 4 a.m. (local time).
Cooking accident as the cause?
According to media reports, including “Malay Mail”, the possible cause is a cooking accident. According to emergency services, the firefighting work was made more difficult by narrow access roads, strong winds and limited access to water at low tide.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on social media that they were “deeply affected”. Help for those affected is now a priority; Authorities worked to provide support and emergency shelter. (sda/dpa)
Video: watson/hanna dedial