KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ends at 6pm tomorrow, has been extended until June 19, said Sabah Police Commissioner, Datuk Zaini Jass.
Zaini said the curfew covered the waters off Tawau Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran and residents were required to remain at home throughout the curfew period.
Following the extension, residents and outsiders were not allowed to enter or be in the affected areas between 6pm and 6am during the curfew, he said in a statement today.
He said the extension was to safeguard the waters from terrorists’ intrusions and based on intelligence, the Abu Sayyaf militant group and those carrying kidnapping-for-ransom were still trying to encroach on the ESSZone to commit abductions and cross-border crimes.
He said the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring on boat movements as well as to ensure the safety of chalet operators and fishermen.
“I have authorised all district police chiefs in the ESSZone to issue permits to eligible applicants for the purpose of fishing activities or to attend to urgent matters during the curfew,” he added. — Bernama
