Two cousins abducted by gunmen in Lahad Datu still alive

Police believe an oil palm plantation manager and his assistant who were abducted by five armed men in Lahad Datu, more than two months ago (Nov 14), are still alive.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said police had carried out discussions with their counterparts in the Philippines to free both the kidnapped victims.

"They are still alive and Bukit Aman is still in contact with the Philippines authorities. We are investigating the case and have a report saying that they are alive," he told reporters here today after attending a monthly gathering, the first for this year, organised by the Narcotics division.

During the incident in November, five gunmen abducted two men from a plantation in Lahad Datu, then walked 2km to a beach nearby before speeding off into the open sea in a boat.

The two kidnap victims, a 33-year-old plantation manager and his 25-year-old assistant, both cousins -- were inspecting a swiftlet house in the plantation, near Felda Sahabat 15, about 50km from Lahad Datu, with two workers when they were approached by their abductors at 3.30pm.