A large fire destroyed about 1,000 homes in a coastal village in Sandakan, Sabah state on Borneo, displacing thousands of residents.

The blaze broke out in a water village of stilt houses, where strong winds and low tide conditions helped it spread quickly.

More than 9,000 people were affected, though no deaths have been reported so far.

Emergency crews struggled to contain the fire due to limited water access in the area, Reuters has reported.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the government is coordinating relief efforts and providing temporary relocation for victims.