Fire Destroys 1,000 Homes in Sandakan Coastal Settlement, Displacing 9,000

A major fire destroyed about 1,000 homes in a coastal settlement in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, displacing more than 9,000 people. The blaze began early Sunday and rapidly spread through rows of wooden houses built on stilts above the sea. Fire crews cited strong winds, tightly packed structures, narrow access routes, and low tide as challenges. No deaths were reported, but thousands moved to temporary shelters. Many residents are from low-income or marginalized groups. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said federal and state agencies are coordinating relief efforts.