ESSZone curfew order extended to Oct 28 - Sabah Police Commissioner

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 12 (Bernama) — The curfew order in the waters of seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ends tomorrow has been extended to Oct 28, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

In a statement issued today, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah said with the extension, those living in the area were required to be in their homes and not allowed to enter the waters between 6 pm and 6 am the following morning.

He said the curfew order was for the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran to ensure the safety and well-being of Sabahans who used the waters as well as those residing in the ESSZone area.

“Based on information, the Abu Sayyaf militant group and kidnap-for-ransom group from southern Philippines are still trying to encroach (here) to carry out kidnappings and other cross-border crimes,” he said.

Omar said the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat movements as well as create a sense of security and confidence among chalet operators and fishermen through the presence of security personnel in the area.

“I have also given authority to all District Police Chiefs in the ESSZone area to issue permits to eligible applicants to carry out fishing activities or for any urgent need to pass through the curfew area,” he said.

-- BERNAMA