Esszone curfew extended for two weeks

KOTA KINABALU: The dusk-todawn curfew in the waters off seven Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) areas will be extended for two more weeks from today.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said the curfew, scheduled to have ended at 6pm yesterday, would be extended until Sept 27 in view of the ongoing cross-border threats in the east.

The sea curfew involves the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

Those living within the affected areas are advised to remain indoors between 6pm and 6am, he said.

“The curfew has been extended to ensure the waters are not invaded by terrorists, which can threaten the security of international researchers as well as tourists on the resort islands,” Ramli said.

Based on investigations, he said the Abu Sayyaf militant and kidnap-for-ransom groups from the southern Philippines were still active and had not stopped planning raids on Sabah.

“The curfew is to also ensure the safety and well-being of Sabahans who go out to sea, and those living in the Esszone areas,” he added.

Ramli said the curfew also helped in the enforcement and monitoring of boat movements and the presence of security vessels created a sense of safety among chalet operators and fishermen in the Esszone areas.

“I have authorised all district police chiefs to issue permits to any eligible applicant for fishing or in emergencies,” he said.