Curfew declared for 6 districts of Sabah's east coast

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman announced the 12-hour curfew at six districts within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone will be effective from today.

Police will impose the 12-hour curfew in six districts under the Sabah Eastern Sabah Security Zone effective today.

The curfew between 6pm to 6am in Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau will, however, be focused in the coastal areas, as well as its waters, and will last for two weeks, until Aug 2.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew would cover Tanjung Pundaras in Sandakan right up to the Tawau jetty.

“The curfew under the Police Act is intended is a short term measure only to address an immediate public order or security situation. That is why it is limited to 15 days in all (1 plus 14 days).

“In United States, it is called ‘clear and present danger’, but in Sabah, in eastern Sabah that is, the situation is different. Threat to public order and public security is now, real and continuous.

“Therefore there is a need either to invoke Section 3 of Public Order (Preservation) A 1958 to proclaim a ‘danger area’ or to use provisions under Sabah’s Preservation of Public Order Ordinance 1961 to declare the curfew,” said Jalaluddin.

He said under the curfew, approved by the Home.Ministry as stipulated under Section 31 (1) of the Police Act 1967 and Section 31 (4) of the same act, only security forces are allowed to be on the locations mentioned.

“The curfew is imposed to overcome security issues in these areas, particularly kidnappings and intrusions.

“During the 12-hour curfew, no sea activities are allowed, including in coastal areas, and those who fail to observe this, action can be taken against them under Section 31 (2) of the Police Act 1967, which carries a fine of RM500 or six months jail, upon conviction,” he said.

“During this two weeks, if we spot activities involving intruders or kidnappers, that leads to hot pursuit, the shoot-on-sight order will be implemented,” he said.

Jalaluddin said the curfew was imposed following a meeting with the Eastern Sabah Security Command officials, adding that there are 22 focus points between the Philippine and Sabah borders.

He was saying this when presenting a briefing on the issue at the Sabah Police Headquarters in Kepayan. Also present was Esscom commander Deputy Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun.

“We have distributed notices to the public, particularly business operators, and owners of resorts and fish farms, as well as fishermen in the six districts.

“However, exemptions can be given by applying for a special permit to conduct activities at night and for emergencies only.

“Fishermen who wish to operate during the curfew period may be allowed, for as long they refrain from entering the restricted areas, set under the curfew zone,” he said.

Jalaluddin said he has given the district police chiefs in the affected areas the authority to distribute the forms for special permits, but it can only be done when it is approved.

In BM

Perintah Berkurung di daerah Pantai Timur Sabah

Pesuruhjaya Polis Sabah Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman mengisytiharkan Perintah Berkurung selama 14 hari berkuatkuasa hari ini di enam daerah pantai timur termasuk Sandakan, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau dan Kinabatangan.