KOTA KINABALU: 65 people from seventeen families lost their homes in a fire early this morning at Kampung Muhibbah, Likas, here.
The incident was noticed by several family members who woke up to prepare for sahur (pre-dawn meal).
At least 10 houses were affected in the incident.
Azwan Mailan, 37, said that during the incident, he had just woken up for sahur but realised his house felt hot and smoky.
"I thought it was due to the hot weather, but then I woke up and saw flames raging at the front of the house.
"Without hesitation, I immediately woke my wife and siblings up to come out from the house," he said when met at the scene of the incident.
He tried to extinguish the fire using water from a bucket but failed, and the fire continued to rage until nothing could be saved.
"My father's and brother's houses were also destroyed," he said.
Assistant Director of State Operations Division (PPON) Hamsa Isnurdini said they received a call regarding the fire at 3.11am.
He said a team of 26 members and two vehicles were dispatched to the location and found that 10 houses were partially or completely burnt down.
"A total of 17 families and 65 occupants were involved in this tragedy, but fortunately, there were no injuries.
"The fire was successfully brought under control at 4.16am and the operation was concluded at 6.49am," he said, adding that the cause of the incident and the extent of the damage are still under investigation.