KOTA KINABALU: The dawn-to-dusk curfew in Sabah's east coast has been extended another two weeks from Thursday (Dec 27), amid continuing threats from Abu Sayyaf-linked cross-border kidnap groups and other criminal elements. The extension comes on the back of two separate cross-border kidnappings between Sept 11 and Dec 5. Five fishermen have been abducted by gunmen linked to the Abu Sayyaf and held hostage in their stronghold of Jolo in southern Philippines. "We have intelligence reports indicating that kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants are still trying to commit cross-border crimes. Sabah's east coast curfew was first implemented in July 19, 2014 following a series of kidnappings that year.

Source: The Star December 26, 2018 06:56 UTC