Do not resort to panic buying in view of curfew, says minister

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KOTA KINABALU: Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid has advised the people against panic buying in view of forthcoming Hari Raya celebration.

Speaking to reporters after an event at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque yesterday,

Jainab said she had received a number of reports from the ground that people were in a state of panic after receiving SMSes that a curfew would be imposed in the state.

“This is not true. Yes, there is a curfew but only for the east coast of Sabah as announced by the police to tighten the security in the areas,” she explained.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaludin Abdul Rahman yesterday announced the curfew to be imposed only in six districts of  Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.

The dusk-to-dawn curfew took effect from yesterday (July 19) for 14 days until Aug 2, he said.

He said the curfew covered the sea, about three nautical miles from the shores to the international borders with the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Jainab said even though the curfew was announced yesterday, the people especially fishermen had stopped going to sea since a few days ago.

“We understand the situation and the government through Ko-Nelayan will be giving assitance to those who are affected,” she added.

The Karambunai assemblywoman also said  that the curfew in the east coast only covers the waters there, and not the mainland, to identify potential threats and also enable the security forces to carry out checks, especially in the event that someone fails to comply with the curfew.

She added most of the police personnel would be placed in resorts and caged fish farms during the curfew.

“Observe the curfew and please stay at home,” Jainab advised those in the east coast.