Sandakan Kidnap: Cops bid to reduce ransom amount

Two Malaysians who were kidnapped by a militant group from southern Philippines last May are still safe.

Sabah Police Commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the police were negotiating to free them.

"Negotiations are still ongoing and we are trying to reduce the ransom demanded by them … the victims are safe," he said, when contacted.

Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, and Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, were kidnapped on May 14 by four armed men who raided the Ocean King Restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah at 7.45pm. They are believed to be in the interior of southern Philippines, bordering Sabah.

It was reported that the victims' families had received calls, threatening to behead both victims if their ransom demands were not paid.

According to the report, Then, who was injured on the leg was slowing down the movement of the militant group which needed to move each time they were attacked by Filipino troops.

In early August, Jalaluddin was reported as saying the initial ransom of RM60 million for both kidnapped victims was succesfully reduced by 50pc after several negotiations.

Meanwhile, Phase 28 of the curfew in the waters off Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) which expired Thursday has been extended until Oct 24 between 7pm and 5am.

Jalaluddin said the curfew covers areas in the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinababatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

They include Pulau Gulisan, Tanjung Bidadari, Pulau Tambisan, Silam, Tungku, Pulau Adal, Alice Reef, Timbun Mata,Kalumpang, Batuan Unarang, Port (Tawau), Wallace Bay, Jambongan, Timur Jambongan, Barat Daya Pulau Lihinan, Pulau Pundaras, Torongohok, Pura-Pura and Kuala Sugut.

"This curfew is to ensure the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA), covering the islands of Langkayan, Pulau Billiean and Pulau Tegipil, is not intruded by terrorists, and for the safety of researchers at SIMCA, especially the foreign researchers," he added.

He said the decision to extend the curfew was based on information of continued threats of kidnapping for ransom and Abu Sayyaf rebels.

He said the curfew was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents and tourists in Esszone.

The extended curfew would enable security forces to carry out enforcement and monitoring of boat movements and suspicious activities in relation to cross-border crimes, as well as human and drug trafficking and firearm smuggling, he added.

Jalaluddin said chalet operators and the fishing community were also supportive of the extension.

The district police chiefs in Esszone had been authorised to issue permits to those applying to carry out fishing activities or emergency travel, he added.

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