TAWAU: The East Coast Security Committee (ECSC) of Sabah United Chinese Chambers of Commerce (SUCCC) has called for the review of security measures imposed by the Eastern Sabah Security Commission (ESSCom) in the east coast of Sabah, which had adversely impacted the economy and the livelihood of the people there.
They included the 12-hour night curfew, from 6pm to 6am, imposed by the security forces in the east coast of Sabah, since July 19. The curfew which was imposed under the Police Act was intended as a short term measure only to address the security situation and was supposed to last for 15 days only. It was nonetheless later extended until this day.
In a statement issued here yesterday, Chairman of ECSC, Mok Tian Sang noted that the feedback from its Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Kudat members indicated that there has been a decrease of between 30% to 60% of tourism business over the last few months, with Semporna and Lahad Datu being worst hit.
The committee also sees the drop in marine catch after the imposition of night curfew. This inevitably contributes to an increase in the prices of fish in the market, which affects the livelihood of the general public.
“We in general agree with the night curfew, but we believe there should be a better solution. Otherwise, this will bring about a negative impact to the economic growth in the affected area that eventually would affect the livelihood of the people, said, Mok who is also the deputy president of SUCCC and President of Lahad Datu Chinese Chambers of Commerce.
To this end, he said the Committee had come up with some suggestions which will be submitted in a memorandum to the State Security Committee Chairman, Datuk Seri Musa Aman and ESSCom Director, Datuk Abdul Rashid, in their coming meeting. SUCCC will be led by its president Datuk Seri Panglima Mohd Gan Sau Wah.
This was finalized during its second meeting held in Tawau on Thursday. Also present at the meeting were Tawau CCC President, Lo Su Fui who is also SUCCC Vice President; Kunak CCC President, Pong Kim Wei who is also SUCCC Treasurer and three committee members from Semporna CCC.