The Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) will increase its presence, surveillance and security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) to thwart kidnapping attempts in Pulau Singamata, Semporna, Sabah.
"The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) need to have uniformed bodies stationed permanently or continuously to avoid kidnap attempts. Since tourism is a major contributor of revenue, the area must be safe and free from any threats.
"Security personnel must be placed in these areas permanently because patrolling the area from time to time alone will not be enough to avoid untoward incidents," he told reporters here Tuesday.
Last Wednesday, a Chinese tourist and Filipino staff member were kidnapped from a holiday resort after six men armed with pistols raided the Singamata Reef resort in Sabah and fled in a speedboat with Gao Hua Yuan 29, from Shanghai and Marcy Dayawan, 40, a female receptionist at the resort.
Following the incident, Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said police detained four individuals, including three women, to assist investigations. (Bernama)