ESSCOM to study short, long term impact of withdrawing curfew - Ahmad Zahid

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) will study the short and long term impact of completely withdrawing the curfew at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the complete withdrawal of the curfew was seen as giving 'room and opportunity' to groups of intruders to conduct guerilla activities in the security zone.

"This is due to the vengeful nature of these groups of intruders from the southern Philippines who are willing to die in order to achieve their requirements and wishes.

"I am very confident that if we fully withdraw the curfew, they (intruders) will surely enter our country and jeopardise the safety of the people and tourists in the waters off Sabah east coast," he told a media conference after officiating the Beaufort Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings delegates meeting here today.

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno vice president, was satisfied with the outcome of the changes and steps taken by the police following the restructuring of the ESSCom administration.

He said the changes had brought positive impact in curbing any intrusions in the Sabah east coast waters despite facing all kinds of challenges in ESSZone.

Prior to withdrawing the curfew, he said ESSCom would need to coordinate its personnel and assets with other enforcement agencies to conduct patrol operations besides improving its intelligence information.

He also advised fishermen in ESSZone to comply with the directive issued by the authorities, including applying for special permits to ensure their safety when catching fishes in the permitted area.