The curfew in waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) which ended yesterday, it has been extended until April 20.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din said those who lived in the area were requested to stay indoors and not enter the territorial waters between 6pm to 6am during the period.

"The public is not allowed to enter or remain in the declared area between 6pm and 6am on the dates specified," he said in a statement here, Tuesday.

According to Ramli, the curfew covers the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

He said the curfew was extended to prevent invasion by terrorists who threatened the safety of international researchers and foreign tourists in the area.

Ramli said based on intelligence, the Abu Sayyaf group and those who engaged in kidnapping for ransom from the southern Philippines were still a major threat.

He said the curfew was also to facilitate the enforcement and monitoring of the movement of boats and provide a sense of security to chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of maritime security ships in the area.

"I also grant all district police chiefs in the Esszone area the right to issue permits to qualified applicants for purposes of fishing or other urgent matters to pass through the area during the curfew," he added. - BERNAMA