The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) has partnered with Airbnb to provide 50 temporary homes free of charge for 28 days to victims of the Kampung Bahagia fire in Sandakan. The arrangement comes as the temporary evacuation centre at Dewan Sibuga closed on 2 May 2026.

Deputy Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu said the initiative follows a similar arrangement used after the Putra Heights explosion in Selangor. The number of homes available will be reviewed over time depending on need.

Longer-Term Housing Options Being Explored

Alongside the Airbnb arrangement, KPKT has expedited an allocation of RM3.7 million for the housing maintenance programme, including work on the People’s Housing Project in Sandakan. Around 70 units are in need of maintenance, and once completed, priority for placement will be given to fire victims.

The ministry has also identified two additional housing options in discussions with the Sabah government. Thirty vacant units at Residensi Pr1ma Borneo Cove have been earmarked for fire victims, to be coordinated with the Sandakan Municipal Council. The Elopura residency, currently 92% complete and expected to be ready by end of 2026, has 750 units and could be used as a People’s Housing Project for affected families.

A Call For Fire Prevention Training In Floating Villages

Aiman Athirah also called for residents in floating villages in Sabah to receive training in rescue and fire prevention. She noted that residents are effectively the first responders before the fire brigade arrives, and said there is a need to increase the number of volunteer fire brigades in floating house communities.

The Airbnb arrangement adds to the broader assistance already announced for Sandakan fire victims. The Federal Government has provided RM1,500 in compassionate aid per affected family, alongside RM300 for each student affected to cover uniforms, books, and school necessities. Bank Rakyat is also offering a six-month financing deferment for affected customers until 30 June 2026.

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Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

About THE AUTHOR

Iman Aminuddin

Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

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