Curfew in ESSZone extended until March 6

KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters of seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ended at 6pm yesterday has been extended until March 6, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said.

Ramli said those living in the area were required to be in their house and were not allowed to enter the waters between 6pm and 6am the following morning during the period.

He said the curfew would include the waters of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

“The curfew continues to ensure no intrusion by terrorists threatening the security of international researchers working in the area and tourists visiting the resort islands,” he said in a statement here yesterday.

Ramli said the extension of the curfew was also aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Sabahans who were the users of the territorial waters and those residing in ESSZone area.

He said based on information, the Abu Sayyaf militant groups and those who kidnapped for ransom from southern Philippines were still trying to enter the waters of Sabah to carry out kidnappings and other cross-border crimes.

According to him, the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat movements as well as create a feeling of security and confidence among chalets operators and fishermen at the presence of security personnel in their area.

“I also authorise all district police chiefs in the area to issue permits to qualified applicants for fishing activities or if is an urgent need to travel through the curfew area,” he said.