SANDAKAN: Six temporary evacuation centres have been activated to house 248 victims from 219 families displaced by a devastating fire in Sandakan as of 8am Monday (April 20).
The affected residents are currently sheltered at PPR Batu Sapi, SK Kampung Gas, SK Kampung Bahagia, SMK Batu Sapi, Sibuga Hall and SK Karamunting.
Authorities said registration is still ongoing, and the number of evacuees is expected to rise as more victims come forward.
Police said on Sunday (April 19) that a total of 9,007 victims were affected by the fire, raising concerns that many are still without proper shelter despite the opening of temporary evacuation centres.
The fire, which tore through Kampung Bahagia, reportedly destroyed about 1,000 homes, leaving hundreds homeless overnight.
Emergency response teams have been deployed to assist victims and coordinate relief efforts at all centres.
