Malaysia in contact with Philippines to seek assistance for release of kidnapped Malaysians - Anifah

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry will contact the Philippines government to seek assistance in efforts to release four Malaysians who were kidnapped by eight armed pirates in the waters of Semporna, Sabah.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said his ministry had contacted the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Jose Rene Almendras to inform him about the kidnapping incident.

"We have stressed the importance and need to enforce security in the area and that Malaysia will continue to work closely with the Philippines authorities to overcome the issue," he said in a statement, here Monday.

Anifah said the Philippines government was taking the necessary steps to locate the four kidnapped Malaysians.

He said the Philippines army had launched an operation to curb maritime activities in southern Philippines in efforts to locate the armed pirates involved in the kidnapping.

Last Friday, four tug boat crew who were returning to Malaysia from Manila were kidnapped by eight armed pirates at about 6.15pm.

The four crew were from Sibu, Sarawak and identified as Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johny Lau Jung Hien, 21.