ESSZone curfew extended to Dec 13

KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ended today will be extended till Dec 13, said Sabah police commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun.
The 6pm-6am curfew involves the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.
"It is necessary to extend the curfew to ensure ESSZone waters are not encroached by terrorists. This is for the protection of international researchers conducting research in the waters, tourists visiting popular islands in Sabah and the locals," he said in a statement here today.
Abdul Rashid said based on information received, Abu Sayyaf terrorists and criminal elements from southern Philippines were still trying to conduct kidnappings for ransom and commit transborder crimes.
He added that the police chiefs of the districts concerned had the discretion to give exemptions on the curfew in cases of emergencies or to people who depended on the sea for their livelihood. — Bernama