Police have identified two of the three suspects who fled after running into a marine police vessel in waters between Tanjung Sirongol and Pulau Maiga, Semporna, last Thursday.     

The suspects are believed involved in the four kidnap cases which were reported in the east coast of Sabah.     

Sabah police commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman identified the two suspects, who are siblings, as Badong Muktadil, in his 40s, and Nikson Muktadil, in his 30s, from Tawi Tawi in the Philippines.     

"The two suspects are believed active members of a kidnapping group and Badong is said to have between 30 and 40 followers and own four boats, while Nikson is reported to have resided in Kampung Bangau-Bangau and Pulau Balitag, Semporna.     

"They are believed to have fled to the Philippines," he told a media conference at the Marine Police jetty in Semporna yesterday.     

He said the two Muktadil brothers were now in the Malaysian police wanted list for alleged involved in four kidnap cases reported in the east coast of Sabah.     

"They have been identified to be involved in the kidnap-cum murder case in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, and also in three other kidnapping cases, at Pulau Pom-Pom, Semporna, on Nov 15 last year, Singa Mata resort, Semporna  (April 2, 2014) and at a fish farm in Pulau Baik, Lahad Datu last May 6," he added.     

He advised those with information on the two suspects, as well as their whereabouts, to contact the police.

Curfew end being studied

On a related matter, the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) will study the short and long term impact of completely withdrawing the curfew at the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).     

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the complete withdrawal of the curfew was seen as giving 'room and opportunity' to groups of intruders to conduct guerilla activities in the security zone.     

"This is due to the vengeful nature of these groups of intruders from the southern Philippines who are willing to die in order to achieve their requirements and wishes.     

"I am very confident that if we fully withdraw the curfew, they (intruders) will surely enter our country and jeopardise the safety of the people and tourists in the waters off Sabah east coast," he told a media conference after officiating the Beaufort Umno Wanita, Youth and Puteri wings delegates meeting in Beaufort yesterday.   

Ahmad Zahid, who is Umno vice-president, was satisfied with the outcome of the changes and steps taken by the police following the restructuring of the Esscom administration.     -

He said the changes had brought positive impact in curbing any intrusions in the Sabah east coast waters despite facing all kinds of challenges in Esszone.     

Prior to withdrawing the curfew, he said Esscom would need to coordinate its personnel and assets with other enforcement agencies to conduct patrol operations besides improving its intelligence information.     

He also advised fishermen in Esszone to comply with the directive issued by the authorities, including applying for special permits to ensure their safety when catching fishes in the permitted area.     -

- Bernama