Authorities In Final Stage Of Negotiating Release Of Kidnapped Policeman

KOTA KI‎NABALU: Malaysian authority is in the final stage of negotiating with the Philippines authority and kidnappers to secure the release of Constable Zakiah Aleip.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said last contact made between Zakiah and the police as well as his family was on Saturday.

"Overall, we have received 79 calls from him. We are in the final stage of negotiating with the kidnappers," he told reporters after celebrating Hari Raya Aidil Adha at the State police headquarters, here.

Jalaluddin said police were also in the effort to secure the release of fish breeder Chan Sai Chiun, from Perak, who was kidnapped from a fish farm in Kunak, in June.

However, he said police had not received any contact from Chan but believed he is still alive.

In July, Zakiah was kidnapped by a group of gunmen after patrolling the waters off Mabul island at Semporna.

The gunmen struck the Mabul Water Bungalows Resort and opened fire which killed Zakiah's partner Corporal Abd Rajah Jamuan.

Meanwhile, Jalaluddin announced that the 7pm to 5am curfew hour would be extended until Oct 21. - NST