KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s security intelligence sources have found that kidnap-for-ransom groups as well as the Abu Sayyaf were still trying to enter the country’s waters to carry out these activities and other crimes, said state Police Commissioner Comm Datuk Idris Abdullah.
Therefore, the ongoing dusk-to-dawn sea curfew that was supposed to end today has been extended for another 14 days to Jan 5, Comm Idris said.
He added that the curfew was required to ensure terrorists or criminals from southern Philippines did not intrude into Malaysian waters.
This will subsequently ensure the safety of international researchers or foreign tourists visiting islands off Sabah.
The curfew, which was extended for the 201st time under Section 31(4) of the Police Act 1967, was first implemented on July 16, 2014.
It covers areas up to three nautical miles off Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.
The residents in areas covered by the curfew are required to stay at home from 6pm to 6am, while outsiders are not allowed to enter.
The curfew will enable security forces to look after the safety of people who travel at sea and those living in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), said Comm Idris, adding that it will also allow the police to enforce and monitor the movement of vessels.
“This will create a sense of security and confidence among chalet operators and fishermen through the presence of security vessels enforcing this curfew,” Comm Idris said.
He added that he had also given district police chiefs the authority to issue permits to any applicant who had the necessary requirements to conduct fishing activities or to ply the water routes in the curfew areas.
The curfew was enforced following a spate of kidnappings that saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.
