KOTA KINABALU: Security forces in east coast Sabah are on full alert amid fears of a possible kidnapping incident involving fishermen in waters between Semporna and Lahad Datu.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) Comm Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said last night that varying reports were being verified.
“I cannot confirm anything until I get some details,’’ he said when contacted.
It is believed that seven people, including the owner of a fishing boat, might have been kidnapped by cross-border kidnap groups based in southern Philippines.
Bernama reported that a source said the victims were believed to have been kidnapped while fishing at about 10.08pm.
“I am sorry, busy alerting fishermen at sea now,” the source said.
Esscom sealed off the sea borders as an immediate response, it was learned.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun said he had not received any report on such an incident.
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