KOTA KINABALU: Curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ends tomorrow, has been extended to May 11.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said the 14-day curfew, from 6am to 6pm, was done under Section 31(4) of the Police Act 1967.
With the curfew in effect, those living in the effected areas are required to stay indoors and while outsiders are not allowed to enter or be in the declared areas from 6pm to 6am during the period, he said in a statement today.
According to him, the curfew would cover the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.
He said the extension to ensure the waters concerned would not be intruded by terrorists who could threaten the security of international researchers and tourists visiting the resort islands.
At the same time, the move was to ensure security and well-being of Sabahans using of the waters in the ESSZone.
"It is also to facilitate monitoring and enforcement of boat movements as well as to give a sense of security to chalet operators and fishermen."
Based on information, he said militant group Abu Sayyaf and those carrying out kidnap-for-ransom activities were still active.
Omar said he has also empowered all districts police chiefs in ESSZone to issue permits to eligible applicants for the purposes of fishing and those with pressing needs to enter curfew areas. -– BERNAMA