KOTA KINABALU: More than 500 people were left homeless after a fire swept through a squatter area in Likas, near here, today.
It was believed the fire started about 2pm at Kg Cenderamata Dua, about a 10- minute drive from the city centre.
Sabah Fire and Rescue Zone 1 chief Hamsa Isnurdini said they received a distress call at 2.17pm. Six fire engines, with 42 personnel, were rushed to the area.
Firemen took almost two hours to control the blaze. It was finally brought under control at 3.52pm, he said.
It is estimated that more than 150 houses were destroyed in the blaze.
“No fatalities were reported. Investigations are underway to establish the cause of the fire,” Hamsa said.
The village is one of a number of squatter areas that can be found at the city’s outskirts.