CM Rushes Aid to 1,000-Home Fire Ruin

20 April 2026

SANDAKAN: The State Government has provided immediate relief to victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire in Batu Sapi, Sandakan, which razed nearly 1,000 houses yesterday morning (Sunday).

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor expressed deep sympathy for those affected, describing it as one of the largest incidents to hit the settlement.

“Today, I visited the site to assess the situation for Kampung Bahagia fire victims in Sandakan. This was a major blaze that destroyed nearly 1,000 houses,” he told reporters after the visit and aid handover at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi on Monday.

As initial support, each household head (KIR) received RM2,000—RM1,000 in special aid from the State Government and RM1,000 from Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah.

“We hope this eases their burden for now,” he said. Pusat Zakat Sabah and Perbadanan Baitulmal Sabah have also contributed aid. Hajiji noted the destruction was extensive, with almost the entire village wiped out.

A full report on the exact number of victims is expected within one to two weeks.

On redevelopment, he said the State Government is reviewing proposals, including costly land reclamation for new housing.

“Options include land reclamation for future homes, but costs will be substantial,” he explained.

The government awaits a comprehensive report from the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee and recommendations from Sandakan Municipal Council before deciding.

“We’ll review the committee’s alternative proposals first, then act accordingly,” he added.

Hajiji confirmed six temporary evacuation centres (PPS) are open to house victims.

Accompanying him were State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Haji Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif; State Community Development and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki; Deputy Human Resources Minister and Batu Sapi MP Datuk Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan; State Secretary Datuk Seri Panglima Sr Haji Safar Untong; Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Maijol Mahap; Chief Minister’s Department Internal Affairs and Research Secretary Datuk Haji Ag Shahminan Datuk Haji Ag Sahari; and Yayasan Kebajikan Sabah Director Datuk Hajah Diyanah Abdullah.