Sandakan: A total of 9,007 residents were affected after about 1,000 stilt houses were destroyed in a fire at Kampung Bahagia here early today. District police chief ACP George Abd Rakman stated that police received a report on the incident at 1.30 am, and the area was subsequently declared a disaster zone at 4 am.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, George noted that the affected area comprises approximately 1,200 houses, with about 1,000 of them impacted by the blaze. The Fire and Rescue Department managed to bring the fire under control. George mentioned that authorities are now coordinating the registration of victims for evacuation and distributing assistance.

Additionally, George addressed rumors circulating on social media, refuting claims of fatalities resulting from the fire. He emphasized that no reports of loss of life have been received so far, although some individuals sustained injuries, possibly while attempting to save belongings or assist others.

Disaster management coordination efforts are being conducted with other agencies, including the Fire and Rescue Department and the Civil Defence Force. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the department.