ESSZone curfew extended to Sept 24

The curfew order in seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ended on Thursday, has been extended from Friday until Sep 24 from 7pm to 5am.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said as such, the public who lived in these areas have been asked to remain at home and are forbidden from entering them during these hours.

In a statement issued here Thursday, Abdul Rashid said the waters affected by the curfew are in the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

"The extension of the curfew was to ensure the waters are not encroached by terrorists who threaten the safety of international researchers and foreign tourists here," he said.

Abdul Rashid said based on information received, the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group and criminals from South Philippines were still trying to encroach here to commit cross-border crimes.

He said the curfew would be continued to ensure the safety of the public and residents in the ESSZone.

He said the curfew made it easier for enforcement and surveillance of boat movements, and the presence of security forces gave chalet operators and fishermen a sense of security.

"I have also authorised all district police chiefs in the ESSZone region to issue permits for applications for fishing activities or to pass through for urgent reasons," he said.