KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts of the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended to Dec 22, said Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah.
“The curfew is being extended to ensure the safety of international researchers and tourists at resort islands in the area, which in the past have come under terrorist attack.
“It is also to ensure the safety and well-being of Sabahans in the ESSZone,” he said.
Omar explained that the curfew will facilitate the monitoring of boat movements, while the presence of security vessels will provide a sense of security for chalet operators and fishermen in the area.
“I have authorised all district police chiefs at ESSZone to issue permits to eligible applicants for the purpose of fishing activities, or to attend to urgent matters during the curfew,” he added.
Omar said that with the enforcement of the curfew, residents in the area are required to stay indoors, while outsiders are not allowed to enter or be in the area, between 6pm and 6am daily.
The seven districts of the ESSzone are Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.
The curfew was to have ended on Friday, Dec 6. - Bernama