ESSzone curfew extended to March 19

The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSzone) which ends today will be extended until March 19, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din.

He said following the curfew extension, residents in the area were advised to stay indoor and not allowed to enter the area from 6pm until 6am.

Waters affected by the curfew covers the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran, he said in a statement here today.

"The curfew in the area is extended to ensure that Sabah waters is not compromised by terrorists who can threaten the security of international researchers conducting researches and foreign tourists at resort islands," he said.

Ramli said that based on information received, Abu Sayyaf terrorists and other groups from southern Philippines which carried out kidnappings for ransom were still attempting to commit transborder crimes.

He said the curfew was extended to ensure safety of the people in Sabah using the territorial waters and those staying in the coastal areas of ESSzone.

The curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boats' movement and to boost confident among the chalet owners and fishermen with the presence of security personnel in the vicinity, he said.

"I have also authorised all district police chiefs in ESSzone to issue permits to applicants who meet the conditions for fishing or urgent travel in the curfew areas," he added.

-- BERNAMA