KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Hj Aman wants all available resources to be directed towards Wednesday’s kidnapping in Semporna.
He said the police and the Director General of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) had briefed him on the case, which involved a female tourist from China and a Filipino resort worker from the Singamata Reef Resort in Semporna, on Wednesday.
“I have directed the relevant authorities to gear up all efforts towards resolving this case,” he said in a statement.
Musa said security must be beefed up further especially via ESSCOM.
“We must be vigilant at all times to ensure that our security is not compromised,” he said.
Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun when asked to comment on the matter simply said that the public should allow the police to investigate the matter before any further comments can be made.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) Exco member, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye opined that while the case concerned has serious complications for Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality industry, it is best to leave it to the nation’s security forces to deal with the situation.
“MCPF supports all efforts by the security forces to track down the abductors following the launch of a massive hunt along the sea borders with Southern Philippines.
“We believe it is best to leave it to our security forces to take whatever steps necessary to address the problem and to tighten security in our holiday resorts there with the cooperation of the resort operators and their guests.
“Safety and security must never be taken for granted. Eternal vigilance is necessary to ensure Malaysia’s safety and security,” said Lee in a statement.