KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s ongoing dusk-to-dawn sea curfew on the east coast has been extended for another two weeks until April 5.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the extension of the 6pm-6am curfew was needed to check on threats from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups.
The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles (5.55km) 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 islands," he said in a statement on Monday (March 20).
Comm Idris said the curfew allows authorities to ensure the safety of the people of Sabah who use the waters and were staying near the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).
"The curfew is 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," he added.
All district police chiefs in the respective areas have been authorised to issue permits to any eligible applicants who meet the criteria to conduct fishing activities in areas affected by the curfew, Comm Idris said.
