Ongoing threats from militant and kidnap threats, Sabah curfew to be extended

KOTA KINABALU: The dusk-to-dawn sea curfew in eastern Sabah waters will be extended for another two weeks from Thursday because of ongoing threats of militant and kidnap groups.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din (pic) said the curfew, scheduled to have ended at 6pm Thursday, would be extended until Dec 16 in view of ongoing cross-border security threats in the east coast.

Under the sea curfew – which encompasses Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran – people are advised to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am, he said.

“The curfew has been extended to ensure the waters remain safe from any criminal or terror threats to tourist at resorts, international researchers, well as the people in the area,” he said.

Ramli said intelligence indicates that Abu Sayyaf militant and kidnap-for-ransom groups from the southern Philippines were still active and were possibly continuing plans to carry out raids in Sabah waters.

“The curfew is to also ensure the safety and well-being of Sabahans who go out to sea, and those living in the surrounding areas,” he added.

Ramli said the curfew also helped in the enforcement and monitoring of boat movements, and the presence of security vessels created a sense of safety among chalet operators and fishermen in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

He said all district police chiefs would issue permits to any eligible applicant for fishing purposes or in case of emergencies.