Sabah dusk-to-dawn curfew extended for two more weeks

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din.-Bernamapic

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn curfew which ends on Sunday (May 27) has been extended for another two weeks.

It will now go on until June 12.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said the curfew has been extended for another two weeks due to persistent threats at the sea fronts.

He said the 6pm to 6am curfew covers areas three nautical miles off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

"There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent encroachment from terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on islands," he said.

Ramli said according to intelligence information, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants are still trying to commit cross-border crimes.

“We also want to ensure the safety of the people of Sabah who use the waters and staying near the Esszone,” he said in a statement on Sunday.

Ramli added that the curfew was to facilitate the enforcement and monitoring of boat activities in the area as well as establish a sense of security to nearby chalet owners and fishermen with the presence of a security team.