IGP confirms kidnapping in Semporna

Police are on the trail of the suspects in the murder and kidnap case involving a couple of tourists from China in Pom-Pom Island, Semporna, Sabah early Friday.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar confirmed the incident, saying it occurred about 1am and the Chinese couple were believed to be married.

"The male tourist from China was shot dead, while the woman, whom we believe is his wife, was kidnapped by the group of men," he told a press conference after visiting the Johor Baharu police headquarters.

Also present was Johor Police Chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff.

It is understood that the victims had checked into the resort on Tuesday and were scheduled to check-out next Wednesday.

On a separate note, Khalid said police had not received any application to carry firearms from the religious enforcement authorities.

He said anyone can apply for a firearm licence but must fulfill the authority's requirements and justification to do so first.

He was commenting of the suggestion made by Minister in Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Jamil Khir Baharom that the Islamic Religious Department enforcement personnel be provided with fire arms during their operations.

In relation to the murder of Ahmad Raffli Abdul Malik, the chief enforcement officer of the Pahang Islamic Religious Department's Enforcement Division, Khalid ordered the remaining 27 followers of the deviationist Tuhan Harun teachings to come forward to facilitate investigations.

"We will locate them if they fail to do so. The court has also issued a warrant of arrest against their leader who did not turn up for his trial," he said.