Shafie: Curfew appropriate measure to ensure security

From the Star Online (Jul 27): Shafie: Curfew appropriate measure to ensure security

KOTA KINABALU: Despite inconveniencing some fishermen, the dusk-to-dawn curfew in Sabah’s eastern maritime area is a decisive action to stop cross-border criminal activities, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Shafie Apdal.

Shafie, who is also Semporna MP, said the curfew was an appropriate measure to beef up security.

Speaking during a visit to the forward security bases in Semporna to distribute Hari Raya goodies to the security personnel, Shafie said that the Govern­ment had its priorities correct by ensuring security first, although it was aware of the plight of the fishermen.

Shafie also said that he was in discussions with relevant ministries to promote fish farming and seaweed cultivation as an alternative livelihood.
he two-week curfew that came into force on July 19 is expected to be extended after Aug 2 to protect six east coast districts from possible intrusions by criminals or militants from southern Philip­pines.

The Eastern Sabah Security Command said that most villagers in the areas had observed the curfew order, though some were initially arrested for defying it.

Meanwhile, efforts are continuing to secure the release of police constable Zakiah Aleip, 26, who was abducted by Filipino gunmen from the Mabul Water Bungalow Resort on July 12 after they shot dead his colleague Kpl Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, during a raid.

Kons Zakiah is believed to be held by a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader, Al Habsi Misaya, in a jungle hideout on Jolo island.

Al Habsi is also believed to be holding fish breeder Chan Sai Chun, 32, hostage.

He was grabbed from his fish farm in Kunak on June 16 by Filipino gunmen.

Sources close to Chan’s family claimed that the gunmen were demanding up to RM3mil in ransom, though contact had not been made for nearly three weeks.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/27/Filipino-smugglers-try-to-sneak-in-during-curfew