Sabah's east coast curfew extended to Jan 10

KOTA KINABALU: The dusk-to-dawn sea curfew on Sabah's east coast will be extended for two more weeks and will go on from Sunday (Dec 26 to Jan 10, says state Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah.

He said the extension of the 6pm to 6am sea curfew was a necessary security measure in view of continuing threats from neighbouring kidnap-for-ransom groups as well as cross-border criminals, among others.

The curfew in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) has been in place since July 19, 2014, for the waters off the Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran districts.

"There is still a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, tourists as well as researchers in the area," he said in a statement on Friday (Dec 24).

Intelligence reports received by police indicate that kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants were still trying to attack and commit cross-border crimes, Idris said.

He added that the curfew allows authorities to ensure the safety of the people who use the waters and who live near the Esszone.

Idris added that the curfew was to facilitate the enforcement and monitoring of marine activities in the area, as well as to establish a sense of security among nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of a security force.

He said fishermen in the areas under curfew could apply for permits from their respective district police chiefs to go out to sea.