Zahid: Central Disaster Committee Steps In to Coordinate Aid for Thousands Displaced by Sandakan Fire
KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 — A coordinated multi-agency response has been activated following a devastating fire that displaced thousands of residents in Kampung Bahagia, Sandakan, with the Central Disaster Management Committee taking the lead in streamlining relief efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the committee is working closely with both federal authorities and the Sabah state government to ensure that affected residents receive immediate assistance, including shelter, food supplies and welfare support.
The fire, which broke out in the early hours of the morning, destroyed hundreds of homes in the stilt-house settlement, leaving an estimated 9,000 people displaced. Despite the scale of destruction, authorities confirmed that no fatalities have been reported.
Zahid, who also chairs the disaster committee, described the incident as a severe test for the affected families, many of whom lost their homes and belongings within a short span of time.
“Losing a home in such circumstances is deeply distressing. Our priority now is to ensure the safety of all victims and to deliver aid as quickly as possible,” he said in a statement.
He added that efforts are being coordinated to provide temporary accommodation through relief centres, while ensuring that essential needs such as food, clothing and medical assistance are met.
At the local level, political and community machinery has also been mobilised to support relief operations. Zahid noted that Umno’s Batu Sapi division has been deployed to assist with victim registration at temporary evacuation centres and to facilitate the distribution of initial aid.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of an organised response, particularly given the large number of displaced residents. Relief centres are being set up to accommodate victims, while agencies work to ensure that assistance is delivered efficiently.
According to Sandakan district police chief George Abd Rakman, the first report of the fire was received at approximately 1.30am, prompting an immediate emergency response.
By 4am, the affected area had been officially declared a disaster zone, allowing for the activation of additional resources and coordination mechanisms.
Emergency teams, including fire and rescue personnel, police and volunteers, have been working on the ground to manage the situation, secure the area and assist residents.
Images from the scene showed residents salvaging belongings from the wreckage, highlighting the extent of the destruction and the urgent need for sustained support.
Observers note that incidents involving densely built wooden settlements can spread rapidly due to structural conditions, making disaster preparedness and response critical.
Zahid called on all parties, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the wider community, to contribute to relief efforts.
“This is a time for collective action. We must ensure that those affected are not left to face this hardship alone,” he said.
He also expressed hope that victims would be given the strength to recover from the incident, while assuring that the government remains committed to providing ongoing assistance.
As relief operations continue, attention is expected to shift toward longer-term recovery, including rebuilding efforts and support for displaced families to return to stable living conditions.
-wilayah.com.my
