M Update, 25/1/2019 – Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew, which ends at 6pm, January 25, will be extended for another two weeks until Feb 10, says Police Commissioner Datuk Omar Mammah.
He Decision to extend the 6pm-to-6am curfew was made based on continuous threats emanating from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups.
The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles 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,”
Omar said according to intelligence, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants were still trying to attack and commit cross-border crimes.
“We also want to ensure the safety of the people of Sabah who use the waters and are staying near the Eastern Sabah Security Zone,” he said.
He added that the curfew was to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat activities in the area, as well as establish a sense of security with nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of a security team.
“I have also given the authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to any eligible applicants who fit the criteria to conduct fishery activities in the areas affected by the curfew.” Omar said.
The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014 following a series of kidnappings which saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fed and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.
Source : The Star
