23 July 2014 — The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that a dusk-to-dawn curfew has been imposed by local authorities at waters adjoining six Sabah east coast districts as part of efforts to strengthen security measures in these areas.

The six districts where the curfew is in place include waters off Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau.

The curfew commenced on Saturday, July 19, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and will last until August 2.

Security forces could detain any person contravening the curfew during that 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.

“We would like to call the attention of our nationals 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.  It would also be best if their trips would be done during daytime to ensure proper visibility, especially in cases of inclement seas,” Consul General Medardo Macaraig said.

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 PhP 6,600) fine or six-month imprisonment.

Sixty-nine (69) individuals, including 10 women, have so far been detained, as well as 11 boats reportedly impounded, for alleged violation of the curfew. END