Sabah sea curfew extended amidst concerns

KOTA KINABALU: Continuing security concerns and other related issues along the eastern seaboard of Sabah has compelled the authorities to extend the sea curfew imposed in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (EssZone).
The new curfew, the seventh since July 19, will be in force until November 6.

“We believe the security situation in the east coast of Sabah is still in need of the curfew order to ensure continuous safety,” said Sabah Police Commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman on Tuesday in explaining the need to extend the curfew to ensure continuous security measures along the east coast.

“We also want to curb smuggling activities, and ensure security forces stationed at the areas are able to carry out their duties effectively.”

Jalaluddin dismissed fears that the continued curfew has affected economic activities especially among the fishing community through reduced catches and sent prices skyrocketing in local markets.

The police chief assured that resort and tourism operators in the east coast support the imposition of the curfew from time to time and its continuance if the situation warranted.

The sea curfew, two weeks at a time, was first imposed on July 19 in six EssZone coastal areas and water borders covering about 121,272 square miles or 194,035 kilometers in Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.

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