Sabah Chief Minister Musa Aman today confirmed the release of Thien Nyuk Fun, one of two hostages abducted from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan in May.

Expressing relief, he said the release of the 50-year-old manager of the Ocean King Seafood Restaurant was the result of months of negotiations and coordinated effort among the relevant authorities at many levels to secure her release.

"I wish to thank all of them (authorities) for working hard to bring Thien home.

"In the meantime, I urge the relevant authorities to remain vigilant at all times and keep our borders secure from further intrusion," he said in a statement.

Thien was abducted together with a customer, Bernard Then Ted Fen, 39, of Sarawak on May 14 by four armed men who raided the restaurant at 7.45pm.

Meanwhile, Sabah Police Commissioner Abdul Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said Thien was released at about 10pm yesterday and had reached Sandakan safely.

He said Thien had journeyed six hours by boat from Jolo, Sulu, in the Philippines to Sandakan, Sabah.

"She is healthy but weak and tired due to the long journey, and also from the emotional aspect," he said.

Jalaluddin said efforts were still under way to rescue Then, who was dining at Thien's restaurant when the abduction took place.

- Bernama