KOTA KINABALU, Nov 9, 2015:
After nearly half a year in captivity, Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, has been released and reunited with her family in Sandakan.
Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman
in confirming the report in a statement today said it was made possible
as a result of months of negotiations and a coordinated effort among
the relevant authorities at many levels to secure the two hostages’
release.
“We are relieved that one of the hostages has been released. I am sure their families are anxiously awaiting their return.
“I wish to thank all of them for working
hard to bring the hostage home. In the meantime, I urge the relevant
authorities to remain vigilant at all times and keep our borders secure
from further intrusion,” said Musa.
Thien was one of the two Malaysians held
by the Abu Sayyaf group after they were kidnapped from her seafood
restaurant, the Oceans King, in Sandakan, on May 15 this year.
It was learnt that tense discussions
continue in order to secure the freedom of the second hostage, Bernard
Then, a 39-year-old Sarawakian, who was dining at the restaurant with
his wife when the incident happened.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk
Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman in earlier reports said the kidnappers had
demanded RM60 million for the release of the Malaysians, but noted that
they had managed to reduce it by half.
Apart from the ransom money, the captors had also demanded money to buy medicines for Thien, who suffered from diabetes.
Thien was reportedly disoriented but
generally well from her ordeal while Malaysian and Filipino negotiators
were working on behalf of the families.
The Star Online earlier reported
that according to Philippines intelligence sources, the woman, who was
widely reported to be held by Abu Sayyaf commander Indang Susukan, was
released by another commander Al Habsy from Indanan area in Jolo around
11pm on Sunday.
She was reportedly brought back home after taking an eight-hour speedboat ride to Sandakan early Monday.
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