LAHAD DATU: It was the longest one-and-a-half-hour of Maimunah @ Siti Nirwana Itim’s life.
The mother of two, from Kampung Kembara Sakti, became captive to two armed men, whom she believes are the remaining members of the Filipino intruders who made their way to Kampung Tanduo, some 150 kilometres from here.
Although she survived the incident has affected her deeply.
“She is so tramautised. She is not her usual self, she has become a very quiet person,” said Maimunah’s 53-year-old father, Itin Masmud, when contacted yesterday.
Even the interview had to be done through Itin, who also said his daughter was weak and had no energy to even stand up.
Itin related what Maimunah has told him of the incident.
“It was at 2.30pm yesterday (Thursday) and she was with her two daughters. Her husband was out at work.
“She had just finished cleaning and was putting her baby to sleep (in a swing) when two armed men, one dressed in army-like attire and carrying a gun, while the other in plain clothing with samurai, entered her house through the kitchen.
“They demanded her to cook them food but she refused. Probably angered by her refusal, the man in camouflage attire kicked the swing forcing my granddaughter to fall out, before tying my daughter to a chair and covered her mouth,” Itin said.
He said the intruders suddenly made their way up to the ceiling.
“My daughter said the two men noticed police presence. She could hear their footsteps but could not make up what they were doing.
“She quickly signalled to her elder daughter to open the door and to take her sister outside.
“She then ran towards the door, (while still tied to) the chair,” he said.
Itin said they have heard that there were four armed men in their village, but no one had seen them until three days ago.
“I may send my daughter to hospital for observation if her condition does not improve … I hope she will recover soon,” he said, hoping the security forces would settle the conflict soon.
Meanwhile, deputy State Police Commissioner SAC Datuk Tan Kok Liang said they are still investigating the incident.