ESSZone curfew extended

Curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ended yesterday will be extended until September 8.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah in a statement yesterday said the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am covers Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran waters.

He said those living in the affected areas should remain indoors, while outsiders would not be allowed to enter the waters there between 6 pm and 6 am during that period.

“The curfew is extended to ensure that the waters will not be encroached by militants who can threaten the safety of researchers and foreign tourists visiting resort islands in those districts.

It was also to ensure safety and well-being of the people of Sabah and those in the ESSZone, he said.

Omar said the curfew was to facilitate monitoring and enforcement of boat movements as well as to give a sense of security to chalet operators and fishermen with presence of the security forces.

Based on information gathered, the Abu Sayyaf militants and those carrying out kidnappings for ransom from southern Philippines, were still trying to encroach into the Malaysian waters to commit cross-border crimes, he said.

“I have authorised all district police chiefs in the ESSZone to issue permits to any eligible applicants for fishing activities or to attend to urgent matters during the curfew,” he added. Bernama