The curfew imposed in waters off six districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended from yesterday till Sept 6.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew, from 7pm till 5am, and into its 26th phase, was crucial in staving off cross border criminals and extremist groups.

"These elements have continued to pose a threat to local residents, tourists and Sabah," he said in a statement today.

He said the curfew was also extended to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of boat movements to prevent encroachment and potential cross border crimes, aside from curbing human trafficking and drugs and firearms smuggling.

Jalaluddin said the security forces extended the curfew with the agreement of stakeholders including chalet operators and the fishing community.

He said district police chiefs in the ESSZone have been given the authority to issue permits to residents involved in fishing activities, and during emergencies.