LATEST KALBAR – A large fire hit a dense residential area in Kampung Bahagia in the early hours of Sunday, April 19 2026.
This incident became one of the worst fires in Malaysia in recent times after the fire destroyed around 1,000 houses out of a total of around 1,200 existing units.
The fire reportedly broke out while most residents were still resting. However, within a short time, the fire immediately grew and spread to other houses close to each other.
The condition of the settlements, most of which consist of wooden houses and are located in areas above water, makes the fire even more difficult to control. Apart from that, limited road access is also an obstacle for firefighters to reach fire points quickly.
Also Read: Tips for Avoiding House Fires and Signs of an Electrical Short Circuit
More than 9,000 Residents Affected
As a result of the fire, more than 9,000 residents were affected and lost their homes. Many of them did not have time to save their property because the fire spread so quickly.
A number of residents only managed to get out with the clothes they were wearing, while the house and all the contents inside were burnt down.
Even though the scale of the fire was very large, interim reports stated that there were no casualties in this incident. However, several residents suffered minor injuries due to panic while trying to save themselves.
The authorities together with the rescue team immediately carried out an evacuation and provided assistance to the affected residents.
Government Prepares Emergency Assistance
The Malaysian government moved quickly by providing:
- Temporary shelter
- Logistical assistance such as food and clothing
- Data collection on affected victims
Apart from that, attention was also given to Indonesian citizens (WNI) who were also victims of the fire.
Until now, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, fires in dense areas such as Kampung Bahagia are often triggered by electrical short circuits or household activities.
Kampung Bahagia is known as a dense residential area in the Sandakan coastal area. Many houses are built close together and use flammable materials, so the risk of fire is quite high.
This incident is once again a reminder of the importance of residential safety standards, especially in densely populated areas.***
