Sabah sea curfew extended to September 19

The sea curfew at the east coast of Sabah will be extended to September 19 due to intelligence reports that criminals from southern Philippines are planning kidnapping activities, a Malaysian news site reported Wednesday.

 

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abd Rahman said the curfew would last from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., to thwart attempts by groups to abduct soft targets, Malaysia's The Star Online reported.

 

“We have also received reports that there was a possibility of them trying to smuggle firearms," Jalaluddin said.

 

He added the curfew would seek to address smuggling of drugs and subsidized goods like fuel.

 

Covered by the curfew are six districts including Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.

 

Jalaluddin said the curfew appeared to sit well with tour and resort operators and fish farmers.

 

He said at least 92 people have been arrested since the curfew was enforced. Of these, 64 were caught for violating the curfew order. The others merely lacked proper documents. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News