KOTA KINABALU: The curfew along the East Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended for the sixth time until Nov 6.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the extension was made to ensure continuous security measures along the east coast.
“We believe the security situation in the east coast of Sabah is still in need of the curfew order to ensure continuous safety.
“Secondly, we want to curb smuggling activities, and lastly to ensure security forces stationed at the areas are able to carry out their duties effectively,” he said during a press conference at the state police headquarters in Kepayan here yesterday.
Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said police and security forces had received good feedback from resort and tourism operators in the east coast and had showed their supported for the curfew order to be extended from time to time.
He also said since the curfew was implemented, it had not affected economic activities, especially among the fishermen’s community.
The 15-day curfew was first imposed on July 19 at six coastal areas and water borders of ESSZone, covering about 121,272 square miles or 194,035 kilometres from Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.
The first curfew extension was from Aug 3 until Aug 17, followed by the second extension on Aug 18 until Sept 2.
The third extension was implemented on Sept 4 until Sept 19, the fourth extension from Sept 20 until Oct 4.
The fifth extension was from Oct 5 until Oct 20.