KOTA KINABALU: Malaysian Police will enhance cooperation with their counterparts from other countries to prevent kidnap cases and ensure peoples' safety in the country.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said police had always sought the best approach through research to improve safety and strengthen relationship among authorities in related countries.

"As for the (kidnapping case in Lahad Datu), I have directed the Sabah Commissioner of Police (Datuk Hamza Taib) to enhance cooperation with the relevant parties, especially to control kidnapping that has been occurring in recent years.

"We must strengthen our relationship and send a message to irresponsible criminals that we are alert in the safety for our citizens," he told reporters after opening the 24th Joint Conference between Auxiliary Police Agency heads and senior police officers, here on Monday.

Ismail was commenting on two victims who were abducted by five men armed with weapons from a plantation in the east coast of Sabah, last Wednesday, and believed to be in international waters now.

He said police had also given assurance that the safety level and public order of the state was under control and that close monitoring was carried out throughout the state.

Ismail also assured that a thorough investigation would be carried out, including determining the motive of the kidnap.

"Police take this case seriously and hope that public, including witnesses, will come forward to give information to facilitate ongoing investigations," he said.

Meanwhile, Hamza also said Sabah police would enhance cooperation with their counterparts from other countries, especially when criminal activities occur in the said region.

"We have identified the location of the kidnappers and working with our counterpart in the case," he said.

During the incident that happened between 3.30pm and 4.30pm, an oil palm plantation manager and his assistant were abducted from the plantation, located next to the Felda Sahabat 15 scheme, about two kilometres from the coastal area and 50km from Lahad Datu. - Bernama

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Police find lead on plantation manager's kidnapping
Sabah cops probing alleged abduction of two men from Pulau Timbun Mata

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