The curfew in waters of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which was supposed to end today, will continue until July 4 between 7pm and 5am.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew, which now entered the 22nd phase, covered six districts in the east coast of Sabah and stretched three nautical miles from the shoreline.

He said the decision to extend the curfew was made after taking into account the security situation and well-being of the people, including tourists, in the ESSZone area.

"The extension of the curfew is to facilitate authorities to monitor movements of boats which trespass to commit cross border crime, human trafficking, as well as smuggle drugs and firearms," he said in a statement here today.

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