Curfew in ESSZone extended till Oct 24

Phase 28 of the curfew in the waters off Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which expires today has been extended from tomorrow until Oct 24 between 7pm and 5am.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew covers areas in the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinababatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

They include Pulau Gulisan, Tanjung Bidadari, Pulau Tambisan, Silam, Tungku, Pulau Adal, Alice Reef, Timbun Mata,Kalumpang, Batuan Unarang, Port (Tawau), Wallace Bay, Jambongan, Timur Jambongan, Barat Daya Pulau Lihinan, Pulau Pundaras, Torongohok, Pura-Pura and Kuala Sugut.

"This curfew is to ensure the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), covering the islands of Langkayan, Pulau Billiean and Pulau Tegipil, is not intruded by terrorists, and for the safety of researchers at SIMCA, especially the foreign researchers," he added.

In a statement today, he said the decision to extend the curfew was based on information of continued threats of kidnapping for ransom (KFR) and Abu Sayyaf rebels.

He said the curfew was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and tourists in ESSZone.

The extended curfew would enable security forces to carry out enforcement and monitoring of boat movements and suspicious activities in relation to cross-border crimes, as well as human and drug trafficking and firearm smuggling, he added.

Jalaluddin said chalet operators and the fishing community were also supportive of the extension.

The district police chiefs in ESSZone had been authorised to issue permits to those applying to carry out fishing activities or emergency travel, he added.