‘Curfews, control areas to boost security’

KOTA KINABALU, May 5, 2014: The Sabah government has pledged to take drastic measures to enhance security in its east coast, including limiting the movement of vessels, imposing curfews at sea, setting up more forward bases and hastening the deployment of manpower and assets.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said these would be implemented immediately following the latest abduction at Pulau Baik by armed intruders yesterday.

Top security officials proposed the measures in an emergency meeting chaired by Musa, who is also the State Security Committee chairman. Among the steps to be implemented was establishing “control areas” to limit the movement of vessels based on time, location and situation.

“On the ‘control area’, those seeking to enter the areas would need permission and permits from the police, who will provide more details on how it will be implemented.

“We will establish ‘curfew areas’ at high-risk locations where no movements of vessels are allowed.”

Musa said the committee also decided to make adjustments to the organisation, positions and vacancies of Eastern Sabah Security Command and to instal a high-capacity radar in the area.
Tourism players here had expressed concern over the latest incident.

Sabah Tourist Association (STA) chairman Tonny Chew said such incidents would result in loss of confidence for tourists.

 

 

source: New Straits Times