Sabah's sea curfew extended to Feb 24 in view of cross-border threats

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew will be extended for two more weeks until Feb 24.

State Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the extension of the 6pm-6am sea curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including kidnap-for-ransom groups.

The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles (5.55km) off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

"There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on islands," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 8).

Comm Idris said according to intelligence sources, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants are still trying to commit cross-border crimes.

Of late, there were claims that a group of armed Filipino men slipped into Sabah via Tambisan waters in Lahad Datu but security forces found no evidence of this.

Comm Idris said the curfew would allow authorities to ensure the safety of those who ply the state's waters and are staying near the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

Idris added that the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of maritime activities in the area and establish a sense of security among nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of security forces.

"I have also given authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to eligible applicants who meet the criteria to conduct fishery activities in areas affected by the curfew," he said.

The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014 following a spate of kidnappings which resulted in the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen and the deaths of several others, including a policeman and tourists. - Star