By SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief
MANILA – A dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed by local authorities on waters adjoining six Sabah east coast districts as part of efforts to strengthen security measures in these areas.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur called on Filipinos who frequently ply this route to visit family members, for barter trading and other purposes to exercise utmost caution in going in these areas to avoid inconvenience.
According to Consul General Medardo Macaraig, it would be best if Filipinos undertake their trips during daytime to ensure proper visibility, especially in cases of inclement seas.
The six districts where the curfew is in place include the waters off Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.
The curfew commenced on July 19, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and will last until August 2.
Security forces could detain any person contravening the curfew during the stipulated period.
The curfew area covers the sea about three nautical miles outwards, totaling 362 nautical miles and involves an area of 121,270 nautical square miles.
Police officials also said that during the curfew times, anyone who needed to enter or pass through the area other than the security forces must first obtain a permit from the district police chief.
Anyone found violating the curfew area could be arrested under Section 3(2) of the Malaysian Police Act 1967 and charged under Section 94. Violators could be punished with a RM500 (around P6,600) fine or six-month imprisonment.
The embassy said 69 individuals, including 10 women, have so far been detained, as well as 11 boats reportedly impounded, for alleged violation of the curfew./PN
