Sabah sea curfew extended till July 4

Posted to The Star (Jun 19, 2023): Sabah sea curfew extended till July 4

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s east coast dusk to dawn maritime curfew, which has been in place for seven years, has been extended for another two weeks till July 4.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun said residents in the area will be required to stay at home from 6pm to 6am, while outsiders are not allowed to enter curfew zones.

He said the curfew areas were up to three nautical miles off the coast of east coast districts of Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau.

The curfew was first implemented on July 16, 2014.

Comm Jauteh said the extension was needed due to threats from cross-border criminals, including from Abu Sayyaf linked kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) groups.

“The curfew is required to ensure terrorists or criminals from the southern Philippines do not slip into Sabah waters.

“This is for the safety of international researchers and foreign tourists visiting islands in Sabah as well as local communities in the area,” he said in a statement yesterday.

He said intelligence reports indicate KFR groups as well as the Abu Sayyaf group were still attempting to enter the country’s waters and carry out kidnappings and other cross-border crimes.

“The curfew will also allow security forces to look after the safety of Sabahans and others who travel at sea and those living on land in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone),” he said.

Comm Jauteh said the curfew will also to monitor movement of vessels.

“It helps create a sense of security among chalet operators and fishermen with the presence of security vessels,” he added.

Respective district police chiefs have been given the authority to issue permits to any applicant who fulfils the necessary requirements to conduct fishing activities or to ply the curfew areas.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/06/19/sabah-sea-curfew-extended-till-july-4