Police finalising ransom sum for release of abducted constable

KOTA KINABALU - The police are in the final stage of negotiations to secure the release of a marine police constable held captive by the armed men who abducted him from a resort in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, in July, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said Sunday.

He said the police were working with the Philippine government and the armed men to secure the release of Constable Zakia Aliep who was kidnapped on July 12.

"The development in the case is so far, so good and still under control.

“The victim is safe and we are in the final negotiations with the Malaysian and Philippine governments and the kidnapping suspects," he told a news conference after attending an Aidiladha reception at the Nur Islam Mosque at the Sabah Police headquarters here.

Jalaluddin said Zakia had contacted his family 79 times since his abduction.

He also said that cage-fish farming entrepreneur Chan Sai Chiun, who was kidnapped from Kampung Sapang Air, Kunak, on June 16, was safe and the police were also working on securing his release. - Bernama