KOTA KINABALU: Over a hundred families in Semporna district who lost their homes in a fire several years ago were forced to relive the nightmare on Wednesday (April 20).

       The 130 families residing at the temporary settlement scheme housing area in Kampung Bangau-Bangau are once again homeless following a blaze that started around 11.30pm.

       They managed to escape as fire swept through 10 blocks of the settlement, destroying 100 residential units.

       The settlement was opened for the fire victims in 2017.

       Based on information provided by the victims, the fire was believed to have started in the centre of the settlement.

       Sabah Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations chief Misran Bisara said they received a call about the incident at around 11.35pm.

       He said the firefighters' focus was on containing the blaze and minimise the risk of it spreading to nearby settlements.

       He said the overall area affected was about 0.6ha (1.5 acres).

       “We managed to bring the fire under control at 12.46am and the operation ended at 3.05am,” Misran said.

       No injuries were reported.

       Investigations are ongoing, but sources said preliminary checks suggest that the fire could have started from a faulty gas cylinder.

       Most of the victims have been taken to the Semporna youth and sports hall while some are seeking shelter with friends and relatives.