Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pledges swift federal and state aid for hundreds displaced by a major fire in a Sandakan floating village
SANDAKAN: The federal and Sabah state governments are coordinating to provide immediate basic assistance and temporary accommodation for victims of a major fire in Kampung Bahagia.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was shocked upon receiving reports of the blaze, which destroyed hundreds of houses in the floating village.
“The priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he stated in a Facebook post.
Approximately 200 houses were destroyed in the fire which broke out in the early hours.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station chief Jimmy Lagung said the station received an emergency call at 1.32 am.
A total of 35 firefighters from the Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations were dispatched to the location for extinguishing operations.
A relief centre at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi was activated at 7 am to accommodate the affected residents.
