Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar has responded to concerns over the disclosure that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the abduction of pastor Raymond Koh, when the latter's whereabouts remain unknown.

Asked if the disclosure could endanger the pastor, he replied: “No, no, this is with the assistance of family members. That is why we released the (media) statement (on the arrest).”

Yesterday, Selangor police chief Abu Samah Mat revealed that a 32-year-old man had been arrested over the case.

He said this was after the suspect contacted the family and demanded ransom.

“The suspect had contacted the victim's family member a day before, asking for a sum of money for the release of the pastor," Abu Samah said in the media statement.

According to Oriental Daily, the man had sought RM30,000 from the family.

The suspect has been remanded for four days to facilitate investigations.

The case is being investigated under Section 365 of the Penal Code for intent to kidnap or abduct and Section 385 of the Penal Code for extortion.

Abu Samah had also asked members of the public not to speculate on the matter.

Koh was abducted by several masked man in black SUVs after blocking his car in Petaling Jaya on Feb 13.

Following this, there were speculations that the case could be related to religion.

In 2011, the 62-year-old pastor was embroiled in a controversy after his NGO, Harapan Komuniti, was accused by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) of proselytising Muslims, following a raid at a thanksgiving and fundraising dinner at the Damansara Utama Methodist Church.