RM12 million payment: Police will not set up inquiry - IGP

The Royal Malaysian Police will not conduct an inquiry in relation to the payment of RM12 million for the release of four Malaysians abducted in Pulau Ligitan, Sabah last April.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said, there was no need to set up an inquiry because the police were not involved in the payment of the money.

"Why do we need to set up an inquiry? We have already explained what happened to the money. There is no point for us to hold an inquiry because we are not involved," he said at the Bukit Aman police headquarters here.

He was speaking to reporters after presenting Hari Raya food packages to police personnel when asked about the sum of money mentioned by the families of the captives.

The four sailors abducted on April 1 were Wong Teck Kang, 31; Wong Hung Sing, 34; Wong Teck Chii, 29; and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21. They were released on June 8.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi previously said no ransom was paid for the release but the RM12 million raised by the families and handed to the police was given to a welfare organisation in the Philippines.

On another issue, Khalid again dismissed as rumours claims that another four Malaysians have been kidnapped off Sulu waters on June 16.