Curfew in ESSZONE extended until Jan 25: Sabah police commissioner

The curfew from 7pm until 5am in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which started on July 19 and scheduled to end tomorrow, has been extended to Jan 25.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the decision to extend the curfew was made after the security agencies had assessed the current security situation as well as the request by various parties and the settlers in the area.

He disclosed this to reporters after attending the Sabah Police Contingent's monthly assembly, here today. At the assembly, Jalaluddin also presented certificates of appreciation to outstanding police personnel.

He said among the reasons for the extension of the curfew which covered the waters in the districts of Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau was the request made by the local fishermen.

Jalaluddin said the feedback received from fishermen's associations and tourist centre operators as well as tourists in the ESSZone area showed that they felt safer with the enforcement of the curfew.

Another reason for the enforcement of the curfew was to facilitate the security agencies in monitoring and preventing incursions by criminals at night.

"For as long as there is a threat, we will continue to impose the curfew," he pointed out.