KUALA LUMPUR — Authorities launched a rescue and relief operation after a major fire swept through a floating village in Malaysia early Sunday, destroying hundreds of homes, local media reported.
At least 200 houses were burned in Kampung Bahagia, a floating village in the coastal city of Sandakan, according to the Malay Mail.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he was shocked after learning of the fire.
He said the federal government and the Sabah state government are coordinating emergency aid and temporary accommodation for those affected.
Sandakan Fire and Rescue Station Chief Jimmy Lagung said dozens of firefighters were dispatched after authorities received a call at 1:32 a.m. Sunday.
Datuk Walter Kenson, head of the Sandakan District Disaster Management Committee, said an inspection found that homes damaged in the fire were no longer safe to live in.
Authorities did not immediately announce the cause of the blaze.
Source: Saudi Gazette