Curfew in ESSZone extends until Nov 25

The 7pm to 5am curfew in the waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended until Nov 25.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew, now in its 31st phase, covers seven districts in the east coast of Sabah.

He said the decision to extend the curfew was made after taking into account security situation and the well-being of the people in the area, comprising international researchers, tourists and the local residents.

"We want to ensure kidnap threat by terrorist groups from the southern Philippines can be avoided because information revealed on attempts to kidnap for ransom (KFR) and of the Abu Sayyaf group still trying to intrude to kidnap and commit other cross-border crimes," he said in a statement here today.

The curfew, he said, would facilitate the authorities to monitor movement of boats, as well as curb human trafficking as drug and firearm smuggling.

Jalaludin said the decision to extend the curfew was well-received by chalet operators and those in the fishing activities.

He said all district police chiefs in ESSZone have been given the authority to issue permit to any applicants for fishing activities and in emergency cases.

The curfew covers the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinababatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.