Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the matter would be handled case-by-case as the Sabah government, along with state and federal agencies, is currently registering victims.

He also said the ministry would assist those confirmed to be Malaysian citizens who lost their identification documents in the fire.

“If such an incident results in lost documents, we will replace them.

“But we cannot simply give those who are not eligible,” he said after witnessing the contract signing ceremony for procuring a multi-purpose mission ship for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.

Saifuddin added that the immediate priority was ensuring temporary evacuation centres (PPS) are fully provided for those affected.

In the incident last Sunday, a major fire destroyed about 1,000 stilt houses in Kampung Bahagia, leaving 9,007 residents homeless.

Several PPS have been opened, including at the Batu Sapi People’s Housing Project hall and Sekolah Kebangsaan Gas.

It is understood that about 70% of those affected are foreign nationals, while the rest are locals.