Sandakan: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman advised the people to abide by a 6pm to 6am curfew enforced in waters off six districts and to cooperate with the security forces. Musa, who is also Sibuga Assemblyman, gave the advice during a Ramadan assistance ceremony held at the Masjid AL-Qudus, Kg. Peringkat 3 in Rancangan Sg Manila here, Saturday. He said residents should immediately alert the security forces should they come across suspicious or unidentified individuals.
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"Do not try to protect them, we must give full cooperation to our security forces," he said. On the ceremony, Musa said, the programme is held every year in conjunction with the Ramadan month, with the objective of strengthening ties.
He said leaders elected by the people are not seasonal leaders and that they are committed to addressing issues faced by the people. Also present was Libaran MP Datuk Juslie Ajirol among others. Meanwhile, Sandakan Police Chief ACP Rowell Marong advised residents who have urgent matters to attend to during the curfew to inform their respective District Police Chief and apply for permits to be exempted from the curfew.
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He said action can be taken under Act 91 Section 31(1) of the Police Act 1967 on those who fail to do so. He said they need to apply for permits and that those wanting more information may contact their operation room at 089-212222.
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Rowell said this to Sandakanfm radio station on Saturday following the announcement by the State Police Commissioner on the curfew.Residents in Tawau and Sandakan are urged not to worry or panic over the curfew. Tawau Deputy Police Chief Supt Keong Ho Eng meanwhile said they have opened a 24-hour operation room. "Members of the public can contact our Hotline at 089-772121 for any enquiry about the curfew," he said, adding that the officer-in-charge will be ready to answer questions and provide them with information. Keong also told the people not to panic or be swayed by rumours about the curfew, which is being circulated via social media. He said those on the mainland should not panic as the curfew is only imposed on waters from Tanjung Pundaras in Sandakan to the Tawau Jetty, adding that the curfew is enforced on waters three nautical miles from the beach. The announcement by the Sabah Police Commissioner had caused worries among the people here when some turned to social media, WhatsApp or phone calls to 'confirm' news.A random survey at supermarkets here found no panic buying but traffic was congested due to people rushing for Raya preparations.
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On another note, Keong said, a 24-hour roadblock has been mounted at Jalan Apas where fully armed policemen are on the watch as part of crime prevention measures. He hoped the people would give their full cooperation to the personnel on duty.