KOTA KINABALU – The curfew in Sabah’s east coast security has seen significant changes as authorities are set to introduce a new Movement Control Order (MCO) in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), replacing the existing curfew order starting October 17.
The MCO will now encompass Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan, and Beluran.
Kudat and Kota Marudu were removed from the curfew order or dusk-till-dawn curfew.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed that Tawau is the latest to be excluded from the curfew order.
"The decision to issue the release was easy, but before making a recommendation for a specific area to be exempted from Esszone, there are several procedures, screenings, assessments, and safety risk evaluations that need to be done,” he said when met at the launching of the inmate transit house in Tuaran here today.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Razarudin Husain also confirmed that Tawau is no longer under the curfew order in a statement here today.
The forthcoming Movement Control Order, the first of its kind in the zone, will take effect on October 17, replacing the 220th edition of the curfew order or dusk-till-dawn curfew, which had been in place since July 16, 2014, he said.
"After the latest assessment, the National Security Council, the Sabah government, and the Home Ministry agreed to rename the curfew order as the ESSZone Movement Control Order.
“This Movement Control Order will encompass the same maritime areas, except for Tawau, as statistics show a low threat level and satisfactory maritime security control in the district,” he said.
The Sabah Movement Control Order No. 1 will come into effect in extension to Lockdown Order No. 220, which is set to expire at 6pm on October 17.
The curfew order was implemented in 2014 following the creation of the ESSZone areas and the establishment of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).
The heightened security measures were in response to the Tanduo incursion in 2013 and to combat kidnapping-for-ransom activities in the waters off Sabah’s east coast.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said a total of 40 kidnapping-for-ransom cases involving the militant Abu Sayyaf Group have been resolved between 2017 and 2023.
He emphasised that the enhanced security presence is attracting tourists to the island resorts within the ESSZone.
“It is estimated that around 156,363 foreign tourists have visited the five ESSZone tourist destinations – Kudat, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, and Semporna – from January to September.”
“Sabah is safe and under control,” he said as he commended ESSCom for contributing to the improved tourism in Sabah’s east coast areas.
ESSCom has conducted a total of 6,473 inspections involving individuals, vehicles, and premises this year.
A total 107 individuals have been apprehended for various offences, including those related to illegal immigration, drug-related activities, and smuggling.
Saifuddin also disclosed ongoing security initiatives in Sabah, including the development of Phase Two of the Sabah Sea Surveillance System Project, the Sandakan Area Control Centre, and the Remote Sensor Site on Malawali Banggi Kudat Island.
Efforts are also in progress for the establishment of the Semporna Malaysia Maritime Base and the construction of a Forward Operations Base on Mabul Island, in Semporna, he said.
Saifuddin said plans are also underway to establish General Operations Forces control posts in strategically located interior areas, including Pagalungan, Nabawan, and Kinabatangan.
The construction of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex in Bantul, Pagalungan, as well as the 20 PGA Battalion Housing Complex and Administration Building in Beluran, are also in progress.
Saifuddin also highlighted the transfer of migrant children from the immigration depot to a temporary settlement under the Baitul Mahabbah programme.
Children below the age of 10, under the care of the Immigration Department, will find refuge in Baitul Mahabbah until the necessary documentation processes with their respective embassies are completed.
“Subsequently, they will be repatriated to their countries of origin. This commendable initiative will establish a centre in Papar to serve this purpose,” he said. – The Vibes, October 16, 2023
