KOTA KINABALU: The dusk-to-dawn curfew along the East Sabah Safe Zone (ESSZone) has been extended for the ninth time beginning December 9 until December 24.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the extension was made to ensure continuous security measure along the six coastal areas and water borders of the East Sabah Safe Zone (ESSZone).
“I can safely say that the security level along the east coast is very much under control but we will not take any chances because criminal activities can happen anytime,” he said at a press conference during the graduation ceremony of 260 police constable support at the state police headquarters in Kepayan, here yesterday.
Jalaluddin also added that the curfew order was effective as police were able to monitor movements of boats and vessels during the night.
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 kilometers from Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.
The first curfew extension was from August 3 until August 17, followed by the second phase extension on August 18 until September 2.
The third extension was implemented on September 4 until September 19, the fourth from September 20 until October 4 while the fifth from October 5 until October 20.
The sixth, seventh and eight extensions were from October 21 until November 6, November 7 until November 22, and November 23 until December 8 respectively.