KOTA KINABALU, Aug 30 — Three children were killed in a fire that swept through more than 200 houses in three villages here early this morning.

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) said in a statement that the victims were identified as Nana Abdullah, four; Mohd Asrul Abdullah, six; and Nurfarahdilah Mohd Tajihah, eight.

“The actual number of houses involved and the status of the victims are still being verified. Updates will be provided from time to time,” it said.

According to JBPM, the fire involved non-permanent stilt houses in a squatter settlement across three villages, namely Kampung Lok Buta, Kampung Lok Poring and Kampung Sabang Lama.

Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby areas, while overhaul operations continue.

A total of 39 personnel from the Kota Kinabalu, Lintas and Penampang Fire and Rescue Stations were deployed to the scene to conduct the firefighting operations. — Bernama