Sabah extends curfew due to kidnap threats

TAWI-TAWI – The Malaysian state of Sabah has extended anew its dusk-to-dawn sea curfew following fresh threats of ransom kidnappings from Abu Sayyaf and other criminal gangs.

Sabah is a Malaysian state occupying the northern part of the island of Borneo. Sabah is also known for its beaches, rainforest, coral reefs and abundant wildlife, much of it within parks and reserves. Offshore, the Sipadan and Mabul islands are noted diving destinations. Authorities have extended anew the dusk-to-dawn sea curfew in Sabah due to threats of ransom kidnappings. (Google Map / Mindanao Examiner) 

This was confirmed by acting Sabah Police Commissioner DCP Datuk Jauteh Dikun, according to Malaysian media, which quoted him as saying the curfew covered areas up to three nautical miles off Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau near the southern Filipino border province of Tawi-Tawi.

Jauteh said the existing threats from cross-border criminals and kidnap-for-ransom groups necessitated the curfew extension. 

“Our intelligence sources detected that KFR gangs as well as the Abu Sayyaf group were still attempting to enter the country’s waters and carry out kidnapping activities and other cross-border crimes,” he said, adding, the curfew would also ensure the safety of international researchers or foreign tourists visiting islands in Sabah. 

According to the Daily Express, the curfew, which was extended for the 209th time under Section 31(4) of the Police Act 1967, was first implemented on July 16, 2014. Under the curfew, residents in areas covered by the rule are required to stay at home from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. while outsiders are not allowed to enter the curfew zones. 

“The curfew will also allow security forces to look after the safety of Sabahans and others travelling at sea and those living on land in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone. It will also enable us to enforce the law and monitor the movement of vessels, as well as create a sense of security and confidence among chalet operators and fishermen through the omnipresence of security vessels implementing the curfew,” Jauteh said. 

Jauteh said he had given the authority to district police chiefs to issue permits to any applicant who fulfilled the necessary requirements to conduct fishing activities or ply through the water routes in the curfew areas. (Mindanao Examiner)