Massive Fire Destroys Over 1,000 Homes in Sabah Coastal Village, Displacing 9,000 Residents

Kuala Lumpur – A devastating fire tore through Kampung Bahagia, a coastal “water village” on stilts in Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo island, early on Sunday, April 19, 2026, destroying more than 1,000 homes and affecting over 9,000 residents.

The blaze broke out around 1:30 a.m. and spread rapidly across the densely packed wooden stilt houses built over water. Strong winds and the close proximity of the homes fueled the flames, which engulfed more than four hectares (about 10 acres) of the settlement. Low tide conditions further complicated firefighting efforts by limiting access to open water sources.

Approximately 35 firefighters battled the inferno for hours, using water tankers, a nearby factory hydrant, and seawater. They deployed four hose lines stretching 300 meters and 12 water jets to bring the fire under control by noon.

No deaths have been reported so far, but several residents suffered injuries while attempting to rescue others and salvage their belongings. The village, home to many Indigenous and undocumented families among Malaysia’s poorest communities, was left in ruins with charred debris and crumpled zinc sheets scattered across the area.

Sandakan District Fire and Rescue chief Jimmy Lagung described the challenging conditions, while Sandakan District police chief assistant commissioner George Abd Rakman called it “a very large-scale and heartbreaking incident” involving 9,007 residents.

Minister in charge of Sabah and Sarawak Affairs, Mustapha Sakmud, described the event as a humanitarian tragedy, noting that many families — including children — lost everything in a single night and were left with only the clothes on their backs.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed immediate assistance and coordinated with Sabah authorities for temporary relocation of the victims. The area has been declared a disaster zone, with government agencies mobilising relief efforts.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to local reports, the village head indicated it may have started when someone lost control of a gas stove while cooking.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of traditional water villages in Sabah, where tightly built wooden structures on stilts house some of the state’s most economically disadvantaged communities.

Authorities are now focused on providing shelter, food, and other essential aid to the displaced residents while assessing long-term rehabilitation needs.