Dusk-to-dawn sea curfew in Sabah to be extended, still needed to combat cross-border criminals

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew which ends on Monday (Oct 11) has been extended for another two weeks until Oct 27.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the extension of the 6pm to 6am sea curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including kidnap-for-ransom gangs.

The curfew covers areas up to 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 the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on the islands," he said in a statement, Monday (Oct 11).

Idris said according to intelligence sources, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants were still trying to attack and commit cross-border crimes.

He said the curfew allows authorities to ensure the safety of the people of Sabah who use the waters and are staying near the Esszone.

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

"I have also given the authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to any eligible applicants who fit the criteria to conduct fishery activities in the areas affected by the curfew," Idris said.

The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014, following a spate of kidnappings which saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fed and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.