The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), which ends at 6pm today has been extended to May 25, Sabah police chief Commissioner Ramli Din said today.

He said with the extension, those living in the affected areas were required to be in their house and were not allowed to enter the waters between 6pm and 6am the following day during the period.

Ramli said the curfew covered the waters of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

”Outsiders will not be allowed to enter or be in the curfew areas between 6pm to 6am during the period,” he said in a statement released in Kota Kinabalu.

According to him, the curfew was extended to ensure there was no intrusion by terrorists who could threaten the security of international researchers working in the area, tourists visiting the resort islands as well as Sabahans in the Esszone.

Ramli said based on information, the Abu Sayyaf militant group and those involved in kidnapping for ransom from southern Philippines were still attempting to intrude to commit cross-border crimes.

He said the curfew was also aimed at facilitating the enforcement and monitoring of boat movements as well as creating a sense of security and confidence for chalet operators and fishermen, with the presence of security forces in their areas.

“I am also delegating powers to all district police chiefs to issue permits for eligible applicants to carry out fishing or to attend to urgent matters during the curfew,” he said.

- Bernama