11 squatter areas in Sabah's Kapayan flagged as fire-prone

 By Olivia Miwil

April 30, 2026 @ 6:07pm

Sabah Assistant Local Government and Housing minister Datuk Maijol Mahap during the state legislative assembly. - Photo courtesy of Sabah Information Department

KOTA KINABALU: Eleven squatter settlements at high risk of fire have been identified in Kapayan, said the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Housing.

Based on records from the Penampang Municipal Council (MPP), Datuk Maijol Mahap said the settlements are located on river reserves, along drains and on hilly terrain.

"Most of these areas have high population density, closely packed and unplanned housing layouts, and use building materials that are highly flammable.

"In addition, narrow and limited access routes can hinder the smooth operation of rescue teams and firefighters in the event of a fire," he said.

He was responding to a question from (Warisan–Kapayan) Chin Tek Ming during the state legislative assembly on the number of squatter settlements at high risk of fire in the area.

Maijol added that the state government, through the relevant ministry, would ensure the safety of residents.

On April 19, a pre-dawn fire destroyed about 1,000 homes at Kampung Bahagia in Sandakan.