SANDAKAN: No deaths were reported in the massive fire that destroyed about 1,000 homes in Kampung Bahagia, Batu Sapi early Sunday, police confirmed.
Sandakan police chief ACP George Abd Rakman dismissed viral social media claims of two fatalities, stating that while injuries were reported, there were no casualties.
The water village housed around 1,200 homes, with the majority razed in the blaze. As of 2pm, authorities recorded 9,007 affected households.
The area was declared a disaster zone at 4am.
Five temporary relief centres have been set up at the PPR Batu Sapi multipurpose hall, SK Gas, SK Bahagia, SK Karamunting and SMK Batu Sapi.
