Curfew in ESSZone extended to Aug 26

KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which ends today, has been extended until Aug 26.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Din (pix) said the curfew involved the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.
"With the curfew extension beginning tomorrow, all residents in the affected areas are urged to stay indoors between 6pm and 6am.
"The curfew order is extended to ensure the affected areas are not encroached upon by terrorists who threaten the safety of international researchers and tourists visiting the resort islands in the areas," he said in a statement, here, today.
Ramli said based on investigations, the Abu Sayyaf militant group and other groups from the southern Philippines were still trying to intrude to commit kidnapping for ransom and other cross-border crimes.
The curfew was also extended to ensure the safety of the state's people who used the territorial waters and those staying in the coastal areas of the ESSZone, he said.
According to Ramli, the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat movements, and the presence of security vessels would create a sense of security for chalet operators and fishermen around the area.
"I have also authorised all district police chiefs to issue permits to eligible applicants for fishing activities, or in cases of emergencies within the curfew areas," he said. — Bernama