KOTA KINABALU: After almost a decade of dusk-to-dawn curfew in waters of eastern Sabah, it is timely to ease restriction on some areas such as Tawau, said Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Satta) chairman Datuk Seri Winston Liaw.
He said this was because the threat from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), in the Philippines had reduced over the last few years.
“But we still can't be relaxed and must always be alert on activities that might endanger our tourist attractions.
“Satta thanked the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) for their past efforts to ensure the safety of tourists.
“There had been no unfortunate incidents that had happened for quite a long time and we consider the whole area safe for visitors,” Liaw added on Wednesday (Oct 18).
The Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESS Zone) Movement Control Order (MCO) took effect yesterday (Oct 17).
It replaced the previous Sabah sea curfew which expired at 6pm the same day.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said this was decided following the latest security assessment by the National Security Council, Home Ministry and Sabah government.
He said the new order covers the waters of Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, Sandakan, Kinabatangan and Beluran.
“Tawau, which was previously included, has now been taken off the list as statistics show a low threat level and satisfactory security control,” he said in a statement on Monday (Oct 16).
Sabah Tourism Federation president Tonny Chew said they were fully confident of the security force’s decision to lower security measures especially for Tawau.
“We had zero kidnapping after the curfew measure.
“As such, this would provide a better tourism environment and enjoyment for our guests there, especially related to insurance coverage issues,” he said.
Echoing Liaw’s sentiments, Chew said the authorities should not take their eyes off the ball where safety was concerned.
“Security surveillance is still required to avoid any possibility of risk,” he said.
The previous curfew was implemented on July 16, 2014, to deal with the threat of armed incursions by Sulu militants and kidnap-for-ransom groups.
