Dusk-to-dawn curfew extended to Sept 27 in ESSZone waters

KOTA KINABALU: The dusktodawn curfew in the waters off seven districts under the Eastern Sabah Security Zone ( ESSZone), which was scheduled to end at 6pm yesterday, has been extended to Sept 27, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din.

He said the curfew, from 6pm to 6am, covered the waters off the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

People in these areas were required to remain indoors during the curfew hours and were prohibited from entering the waters during that period, he said in a statement yesterday.

“Other people are also prohibited from entering the waters covered by the curfew,” he added.

Ramli said the curfew was necessary to prevent intrusion of terrorists who could threaten the safety of international researchers and foreign tourists at the resort islands.

He said that based on information received, the Abu Sayyaf and other militant groups continued to attempt to commit cross-border crimes including abductions.

The curfew also facilitated enforcement and the monitoring of boat movements, while the presence of the vessels of security forces in their areas raised confidence in chalet operators and fishermen as to their safety, he said. — Bernama