ESSZone curfew extended as terrorist threat still exists - IGP

The curfew in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) will be extended as the enemy and terrorist threat still exists, especially from southern Philippines. Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said the police always monitor closely such activities and work closely with colleagues from neighbouring countries. "We are still facing threats from enemies and terrorists from our neighbour (the Philippines). We have to extend the curfew until the threat is gone or decreases. "The threat is real as the enemies and terrorists want to conduct kidnapping and call themselves the Royal Sulu Force," he told reporters after signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), here today. Regarding the terrorist threat posed by the Sulu army, he said: We know they are still there. There are a few groups who always pose a threat. We need to be prepared to act to ensure they do not threaten Sabah. The police will also conduct an exercise with the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) in Sabah east coast from Dec 25-27 to prove their presence and to be ready against any threat. About Constable Zakia Aleip who has not been released, Khalid said efforts are still underway but the details could not be disclosed. Zakia,27, was kidnapped from Mabul Water Bungalow Resort, Pulau Mabul, Semporna on July 12. His colleague, Cpl Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, was killed in the incident. It is understood that the kidnappers demanded that RM10 million be paid as ransom for Zakia's release.