Revenge motive for ambush in Pulau Mabul - Zahid Hamidi

The ambush in Pulau Mabul which killed a marine policeman is motivated by revenge and anger due to tightened control of Sabah waters by Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom).

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the intruders resorted to such action as they were unhappy with the success of security forces in penetrating their fortress.

"The intruders wanted revenge because commandos from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) had penetrated their fortress and rescued a Chinese national recently," he told Bernama, here today.

He was commenting on the ambush which killed Marine Police Corporal Rajah Jamuan, 32, and the abduction of Constable Zakia Aleip, 26, at a resort in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah last night.

ESSCom operations director Datuk Abdul Rashid Harun had said intruders armed with heavy weapons ambushed and killed a marine policeman at 11.10 pm last night.

After launching the attack, the intruders escaped into the waters of neighbouring countries.

On July 10, the police rescued a Chinese national abducted by five armed men in Pulau Baik, Lahad Datu on May 6.

Asked about the status of the abducted policeman, Zahid said the matter would be announced by Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

Malaysia is working closely with the Philippines, especially in the exchange of intelligence, to maintain security and order on the border of both countries.