Wisma Putra reiterates request for help over abducted Malaysians

The Foreign Ministry has reiterated to the Philippine government Malaysia's request for assistance in securing the release of four Malaysians abducted and taken to the Philippines.

The reiteration was made to the Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Jose Eduardo E. Malaya whom the ministry called in yesterday.

"The Ambassador assured Malaysia that the Government of the Philippines is undertaking all the necessary efforts to locate the four Malaysians," Wisma Putra said in a statement today.

Malaysians Wong Teck Kang, 31, Wong Hung Sing, 34, Wong Teck Chii, 29, and Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21, were reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ligitan Island waters off Semporna, Sabah, on April 1.

The statement said a similar request was made by the Embassy of Malaysia in Manila to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on April 6.

On April 4, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman sought the cooperation of the Philippine government through its Secretary of Foreign Affairs.

Wisma Putra said Malaysia underlined the utmost importance of ensuring the safety of the four Malaysians and reassured that it would work closely with the Philippine government towards securing their release.