Sabah extends curfew along south-Philippine border

Sabah has extended the curfew along its east coast, the Sabah-southern Philippines sea border, to October 21, Malaysian news site The Star Online reported Monday.

This is the sixth time the curfew was given a two-week extension.

According to Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abd Rahman, the 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew  was to prevent cross-border kidnappings and smuggling.

“The situation is under control, our manpower and logistics are in place, but we remain on the alert (to any threats)," said Jalaluddin.

The curfew covers six districts: Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.

Curfew violators may face a jail term of up to six months, or a fine of up to RM500.

The curfew has detected and intercepted the smuggling of subsidized fuels and food items from Sabah to southern Philippines. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News