NATIONAL authorities have launched a coordinated emergency response after a major fire tore through a coastal settlement in Sabah, leaving more than 9,000 people displaced and hundreds of homes destroyed.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the Central Disaster Management Committee would work closely with the Sabah state government to ensure that basic needs, temporary shelter and welfare assistance are delivered swiftly to victims in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi.
He said the immediate priority was to safeguard affected residents and expedite aid on the ground following the early morning disaster.
“I am saddened to see the major fire incident involving hundreds of homes in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi, Sandakan. I extend my deepest sympathies to all those affected.
“The loss of shelter in the blink of an eye is certainly a very heavy trial for the victims and their families,” he said in a Facebook post.
Zahid added that party machinery on the ground had been mobilised to assist victims, including managing registrations at temporary evacuation centres and distributing initial aid to ease their burden.
“Let us all pray that all victims are given strength and resilience in facing this ordeal. May all matters be eased,” he said.
According to authorities, the blaze broke out in the early hours of the morning, rapidly engulfing densely built homes. Despite the scale of destruction, no fatalities have been reported so far.
Sandakan police chief Assistant Commissioner George Abd Rakman said police received the first report of the incident at about 1.30am, and the area was officially declared a disaster zone by 4am.
Emergency teams continue to assess damage and provide assistance as displaced residents are moved to temporary shelters.- April 20, 2026
