This was revealed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who took to Facebook to express his shock upon receiving reports on the fire and the damage it had caused.

He said the federal government and the Sabah state government are coordinating basic assistance and temporary accommodation as soon as possible for the victims of the fire in Kampung Bahagia, Bernama reported.

“Therefore, the priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” he was quoted as saying.

Sandakan fire and rescue station chief Jimmy Lagung said an emergency call was received at 1.32am, and 35 firefighters from the Sandakan and Kinabatangan stations rushed to the location.

A relief centre at Dewan PPR Batu Sapi has also been activated at 7am today to accommodate the affected residents.