Curfew in waters off certain parts of Sabah extended until July 9

The curfew extension in seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone comes in the wake of fears that Islamic State terrorists fighting Philippine security forces in Marawi City may flee to Sabah.

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police commissioner Ramli Din today announced the extension of the curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) to prevent the entry of militants from southern Philippines.

The curfew, which was scheduled to end at 6pm today, has been extended to 6pm on July 9, 2017.

Residents in the concerned districts have been advised to stay home and are forbidden to enter or remain in the curfew areas from 6pm until 6am.

The curfew areas are the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

Ramli said the curfew was necessary to ensure no terrorists or pirates from the southern Philippines trespassed, as this could threaten the security of locals, international researchers and foreign tourists visiting islands in the said areas.

The curfew is part of security measures against possible intrusion by Islamic State terrorists who may flee Marawi City as the Philippine security forces have intensified their offensive to end the month-long conflict before Hari Raya Puasa starts.

The curfew also aims to deter the Abu Sayyaf group, from the southern Philippines, from carrying out kidnapping-for-ransom and other cross-border crimes.

Ramli said he had empowered district police chiefs to issue permits to those who need to carry out pressing fishing and other activities to pass through the curfew areas.