KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters of seven districts in Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ended yesterday has been extended to May 26. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah in a statement yesterday said the seven districts are Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.
He said those living in the affected areas should remain indoors, while outsiders would not be allowed to enter the waters there between 6pm and 6am during that period.
“The curfew is extended to ensure that the waters will not be encroached by militants who can threaten the safety of researchers and foreign tourists visiting resort islands in those districts.
“It is also to ensure safety and wellbeing of the people of Sabah and those in the ESSZone,” he said. He said based on information gathered, the Abu Sayyaf militants and terrorists operating in the southern Philippines, especially kidnapping for ransom, were still trying to encroach into the Malaysian waters to commit
kidnapping and cross-border crimes. “I have authorised all district police chiefs in the ESSZone to issue permits to any eligible
applicants for fishing activities or to attend to urgent matters during the curfew,” he added. – Bernama
