Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The curfew in the waters off seven districts in Malaysia's EasternSabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has beenextended until March 1.
Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the curfew coversthe waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan andBeluran.
"Informationgathered has revealed that militant groups involved in kidnapping for ransomand the Abu Sayyaf group are still trying to infiltrate these waters to carryout kidnapping and cross-border crimes,” Malaysia’s news agency Bernama quoted HazaniGhazali as saying.
"Those living in the affected areas are prohibited from approaching orbeing in the waters off the seven districts between 6pm and 6am,” he said.
He said thecurfew has been extended to ensure the affected areas would not be encroachedby terrorists, who could threaten security and also to protect the safety andwell-being of Sabahans in the ESSZone.
Hazani said the curfew order was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoringof boat movements, while the presence of security vessels would create a senseof security for chalet operators and fishermen in the area./.
