‘Safe fishing zones in Sabah a viable idea’
KOTA KINABALU: Establishing safe fishing zones in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone) can better protect fishermen from kidnappers.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun yesterday said the idea, however, needed the cooperation of security forces, fishing communities and other authorities.
By having specific zones, security forces would be able to better monitor the fishermen and their movements, he said after closing the “Fighting in Built-Up Areas” training course here.
“The fishermen have yet to discuss the idea with me, but I think its a good proposal and we are ready to work with them and identify the zones,” he said.
Semporna Fishermen Association chairman Salleh Abdul Salleh had suggested that security forces look into determining fishing zones in the east coast following a series of kidnappings targeting fishermen.
Salleh recently told the New Straits Times that the move would complement the current curfew as it would allow security forces to easily control security in areas used by fishermen and observe their movements.
The association will present their proposal to the Eastern Sabah Security Command, Salleh said, adding it would also take into account those who work at seaweed and fish-farming platforms.
Rashid advised fishermen against fishing near the borders of the east coast of Sabah to avoid being kidnapped or robbed by gunmen.
“I urge the fishing community to continue channelling information about suspicious boats in our waters so that they can be intercepted.
“I believe they have come across suspicious boats many times, but have never reported it to the authorities.
“We want the fishing community to be on board with us.”
Rashid also announced that the 6pm to 6am sea curfew in Esszone would be extended until Dec 13.
The curfew, which enters its 55th phase today, covers seven districts: Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, Tawau, Beluran and Semporna.