The brother of kidnapped businessman R Ravi Shanker, also known as Bangsar Shan, is offering a substantial RM60,000 reward to anyone who can deliver his missing sibling to him, alive and well.

Speaking to Malaysiakini at its offices in Bangsar earlier today, Shanker's brother - who wished only be known as Raja - explained: "We have waited a long time for my brother to be found, and we are still waiting.

"The police have not had any new developments in their investigation into his disappearance. We are worried, we can (not) wait any longer," he said.

He hoped that the money would spur swift action that would lead to his brother being found.

Raja added, "Even the police are contacting me to find out if this (reward offer) is true.

"I hope this will also lead to more action being taken and more individuals coming forward with information to help investigations into my brother's disappearance," he said.

Raja appealed to the public to come forward with any information that they may have.

"The NONE y can call me at my mobile number 010-266 1495. Or if they are afraid to call, they can email me .

"I shall check every call and will come and see if they really have my brother. Once I have confirmed that it is Bangsar Shan ( right ), then I shall pay RM60,000 on the spot," he said.

"RM60,000 is nothing!" he stressed, saying that no amount of money could compare to his beloved brother.

"He is more important to me, I will even sell my house to pay for this," he added.

Kidnapped by 5 men

Shenkar, 40, also known as Bangsar Shan, was assaulted and handcuffed before being taken away by five men in front of his wife and children at Bandar Mahkota Cheras in Aug last year.

The five who claimed to be policemen also held a parang to his wife's neck to silence her and her children.

Shenkar's wife Sheila Kaur lodged a police report on the kidnap on the same day. However, until today no further development have surfaced in the case, and no arrests have been made.

The police however have denied the involvement of their officers in the parang-wielding kidnapping, saying that "No, we don't use parang. Why should we use parang when we have all the powers of law to arrest or detain suspects?"