KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk to dawn sea curfew which was supposed to have ended Tuesday (July 13) has been extended for another two weeks until July 29.

       Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali (pic) said the extension of the 6pm to 6am sea curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups.

       The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

       "There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent encroachment by terrorists and criminals who threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on islands," he said in a statement Tuesday (July 13).

       Hazani said according to intelligence sources, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants are still trying to attack and commit cross-border crimes.

       He said the curfew allows authorities to ensure the safety of Sabahans who use the waters and live near Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

       He added that the curfew was to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat activities in the area as well as establish a sense of security among nearby chalet owners and fishermen.

       "I have also given the authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to any eligible applicants who fit the criteria to fish in the areas affected by the curfew," Hazani said.

       The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014, following a spate of kidnappings which saw the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fed and the killing of several others, including a policeman and tourists.