More than 9,000 residents displaced by massive fire in Sandakan
SANDAKAN: For many, survival came down to seconds as a raging pre-dawn inferno tore through Kampung Bahagia in Batu Sapi.
Grabbing children, residents ran barefoot into the night, clutching whatever little they could carry when the blaze erupted at about 1.30am yesterday, ripping through the tightly packed settlement with terrifying speed.
Up to 1,000 homes were reduced to ashes as flames leapt from house to house, swallowing entire rows of wooden stilt homes before families could fully comprehend what was happening.
Housewife Milnah Ali said the fire struck without warning.
“The fire came so fast. We didn’t even know where it started. All we could do was run and make sure everyone got out safely,” Milnah said, adding that she only managed to save a few important documents.
Kampung Bahagia comes under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for Filipino refugees fleeing the Moro conflict in the southern Philippines in 1970s.
For residents there, such documents are worth more than belongings – they are vital proof of identity and residency.
Another victim, Sharifah Hasba Abdul Lajid, said the first sign of danger came in the form of frantic screams piercing the darkness.
“People were shouting there was a fire. By the time we realised what was happening, it was already too close. We rushed the children out but when we turned back, the house was gone. Nothing is left, only the documents we managed to grab,” she said.
According to Sinar Harian, over 100 personnel from various agencies worked for over 10 hours to contain the fire, which was successfully extinguished by noon.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Department station chief Jimmy Lagung said firefighters faced an uphill battle as they raced to contain the blaze.
“Narrow access routes prevented fire engines from reaching the location, while low tide restricted access to open water sources. Strong winds and the close spacing of homes further fanned the flames,” he was quoted as saying.
Jimmy said firefighters relied on water tankers, a nearby factory hydrant, as well as seawater to battle the inferno.
Sandakan OCPD Asst Comm George Abd Rakman said the area, which houses about 1,200 units, saw around 1,000 homes affected, while more than 9,000 residents were displaced.
Authorities have since shifted focus to registering victims and coordinating relief efforts. No fatalities have been reported, although several individuals sustained minor injuries.
Five temporary evacuation centres have been identified – PPR Batu Sapi, SK Kg Gas, SK Kg Bahagia, SMK Batu Sapi and SK Karamunting – with registration still ongoing.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both the federal and Sabah governments are moving swiftly to provide immediate aid and temporary shelter.
“I was shocked to receive reports of the fire. The priority now is the safety of the victims and ensuring assistance reaches them as quickly as possible,” he said in a Facebook post.
Village chief Sharif Hassim Sharif Titing said authorities are working to arrange accommodation for the victims, particularly those without transport.
Sekong assemblyman Alias Sani said efforts are being fully mobilised to ensure aid reaches those affected without delay.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
