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Fire razes 1,000 stilt homes in Sabah, Malaysia; thousands displaced
A large fire destroyed about 1,000 makeshift stilt homes in a coastal water village in Sandakan, Sabah, displacing thousands. Authorities said the blaze began early Sunday, and officials described it as a large-scale incident; aid and temporary housing are being arranged.
Why It Matters
The disaster highlights the vulnerability of impoverished, densely packed communities living in wooden stilt houses. The government is coordinating for aid and temporary accommodation for those affected.
Timeline
6 Events
Prime Minister pledges coordinated aid and temporary accommodation
April 19, 2026
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government was coordinating with Sabah authorities to provide assistance and temporary accommodation for those affected as soon as possible.
No injuries reported; no further danger
April 19, 2026
No injuries or fatalities were reported, with officials saying there is no more danger.
Access challenges hinder firefighting
April 19, 2026
Narrow access routes prevented fire engines from reaching the site. Low sea tide also made it difficult for firefighters to get access to an open water source, while strong wind fuelled the flames.
Extent of destruction: about 1,000 stilt homes burn
April 19, 2026
The department said the fire involved an estimated 1,000 temporary floating homes with a total area of 10 acres and 100 percent burnt.
Fire department notified and crews deployed
April 19, 2026
The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department said it was notified of the incident at around 1:32 am (1732 GMT Saturday) and deployed 37 personnel from two stations to battle the fire.
Fire breaks out in water village in Sandakan district, Sabah
April 19, 2026
The blaze broke out early on Sunday morning in a 'water village' in Sandakan district in Sabah's northeast, where some of Malaysia's poorest residents, including indigenous and stateless communities, live in closely packed, wooden stilt houses. Sandakan police chief George Abd Rakman called the incident 'very large-scale and heartbreaking' and said it affected 9,007 residents.