Do not over react over Semporna kidnapping - Mositon

There is no need to over-react to last Wednesday’s kidnapping of two foreign women from the Singgamata Adventures Reef Resort off Semporna by closing down resorts on far-flung islands off Sabah’s east coast.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) secretary-general Datuk Johnny Mositun said closure of such resorts was too drastic a step to take.

"Rather, we should respond rationally by accepting criticism with an open mind and continue with efforts to beef up security in that area for everyone," he said in a statement, Sunday.

He was commenting on Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar's suggestion that resort owners in the area cease operations, instead of criticising the Eastern Sabah Security Command.

Last Wednesday, China national Goa Hua Yuan, 29, from Shanghai and Filipina resort worker Marcy Dayawan @ Mimi, 40, were kidnapped by seven armed men about 10.30pm, following an intrusion into the resort.

Mositun said no one could guarantee that piracy and kidnapping would not occur, adding that there would always be room for improvement where security was concerned.