Esszone curfew order extended to Dec 29

The curfew order in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) which ended today has been extended to Dec 29, Sabah Police Commissioner Abdul Rashid Harun said.

He said the curfew order, which is effective from 6pm to 6am, involved the waters off the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

Rashid said with the curfew order, the people living in the affected areas are required to be indoors while others are not allowed to enter or be in the areas during the stipulated times.

"The curfew order had to be continued to ensure these waters are not encroached by terrorists who threaten the safety of international researchers conducting research work and foreign tourists visiting the resorts," he said in a statement issued in Kota Kinabalu today.

Rashid said based on the information received, the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group and criminals from southern Philippines, who carried out kidnappings for ransom, were still attempting to enter these areas to carry out cross-border criminal acts.

He also said the curfew order was continued to ensure the safety of those using the waters as well as living in the Esszone land areas.

The curfew order would facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat movements while the presence of security forces there would give the chalet operators and fishermen a sense of safety and confidence.

"I have also authorised all district police chiefs in the Esszone area to issue permits for any application for fishing activities or in urgent need of passing through the curfew area," Rashid said.

- Bernama