KOTA KINABALU: The success in overcoming the latest abduction attempt reflects Sabah’s readiness to prevent future incidents from happening in the state waters today.
In lauding the security forces’ triumph, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman said a short briefing received from Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun revealed the attempts took place in Lahad Datu and Semporna.
He added at least one victim was rescued in Lahad Datu and another in Semporna might not have been traced.
“There was shooting between our security forces, in particular the PGA (General Operations Force), and kidnappers. I was told it is unconfirmed that three kidnappers had been shot dead and two were injured. On our side, one police officer had been injured,” said Musa.
“I would like to congratulate the security forces who courageously carried out their important duties and we must continue to work together to ensure kidnappings will not happen again in Sabah.
“Nevertheless, we are now prepared to ensure that we will give everything in battling against future abductors coming into Sabah waters,” he affirmed when met by the press after launching the Sabah State Level International Anti-Corruption Day here yesterday.
The Chief Minister held back from commenting further as the matter is still under investigation and advised the press to attain the full briefing from the Sabah Police Commissioner in Semporna.
A newspaper report alleged that at least three believed to be Abu Sayyaf militants were killed after trying to abduct the 14th Battalion PGA Tawau, who were disguised as fishermen near Pulau Gaya waters around 10pm on December 8.