Curfew in ESSZone extended to Aug 7

The curfew order in waters of seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ends today, will be extended until Aug 7, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun.

He said the curfew, from 7 pm until 5 am daily, involved waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran districts.

"With the enforcement of the curfew order, residents in the affected areas are required to be indoors during the time stated," he said in a statement here today.

Abdul Rashid said the curfew order was extended to ensure the waters in the ESSZone were not encroached upon by armed gunmen who could threaten the safety of international researchers and tourists visiting the resort islands in the area.

He said based on information received, the group from southern Philippines which carried out kidnapping for ransom and the Abu Sayyaf militant group were still trying to sneak into the ESSZone waters to commit other cross-border crime.

Besides ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Sabah residents, he said the curfew order would also facilitate monitoring and enforcement over movements and give a safe feeling to chalet operators and fishermen through the presence of the security forces.

He said all district police chiefs in the curfew areas have also been given authority to issue permit to those applying for fishing activities and sailing in dangerous route.