SANDAKAN April 22, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday visited the victims of a devastating fire in Kampung Bahagia, a coastal water village in Sandakan, Sabah, where a massive blaze on April 19 destroyed approximately 1,000 stilt homes and displaced over 9,000 residents.
In a heartfelt statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister described the scene as heart-wrenching, noting the plight of young children who still do not fully understand the tragedy, parents silently holding back tears, and families left with nothing but their remaining strength. “This is not just a test, but heart-wrenching suffering,” he wrote.
Despite the immense grief, Anwar praised the victims’ resilience, saying he witnessed “something far greater” in their determination to endure. He assured them that the Federal Government would not abandon them and confirmed that immediate aid is already being mobilised in close coordination with the Sabah State Government.
The aid package includes cash contributions for affected families and school students, basic necessities, temporary shelter, and continuous support to help victims rebuild safer and more dignified lives. Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring children can return to school as quickly as possible.
Anwar also addressed the fact that some victims are non-citizens. “In difficult times like this, humanity cannot be limited by borders,” he said. “We help as much as we can, including with food, drink, shelter and safety.”
He concluded with prayers for the victims: “My prayers and those of Azizah, as well as the entire large family of Malaysia, are with them. May Allah lift this sadness, strengthen the tested souls, and replace this grief with new hope.”
The Prime Minister was accompanied by officials as he inspected the fire-ravaged site and met families at temporary evacuation centres, including Dewan SK Gas and Dewan PPR Batu Sapi. Photos from the visit show him walking among the charred ruins over the water, engaging directly with residents under relief tents, and consoling women and children.
According to earlier reports, the fire broke out around 1:32 am on April 19 and spread rapidly due to strong winds and the dense layout of the village. No fatalities were reported, though several residents were injured while trying to save belongings or help others.
As of today, 1,912 victims from 385 families are being housed at eight evacuation centres across Sandakan.
The Prime Minister’s visit and announcements underscore the government’s commitment under the Malaysia MADANI framework to deliver swift, compassionate relief (#IhsanMADANI) and ensure no one is left behind in times of crisis (#MADANIbekerja).
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the relief and reconstruction efforts in Sandakan.
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