The ambush in Pulau Mabul which killed a marine police officer is motivated by revenge and anger due to tightened control of Sabah waters by Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the intruders resorted to such action as they were unhappy with the success of security forces in penetrating their fortress.

"The intruders wanted revenge because commandos from the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) had penetrated their fortress and rescued a Chinese national recently," he told Bernama today.

He was commenting on the ambush which killed Marine Police Corporal Rajah Jamuan, 32, and the abduction of Constable Zakia Aleip, 26, at a resort in Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah last night.

Esscom operations director Abdul Rashid Harun had said intruders armed with heavy weapons ambushed and killed a marine policeman at 11.10pm last night.

After launching the attack, the intruders escaped into the waters of neighbouring countries.

On July 10, the police rescued a Chinese national abducted by five armed men in Pulau Baik, Lahad Datu on May 6.

Asked about the status of the abducted police officer, Zahid said the matter would be announced by inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.

Malaysia is working closely with the Philippines, especially in the exchange of intelligence, to maintain security and order on the border of both countries.

Don't belittle Esscom

Meanwhile, the minister reminded social media users in the country to not belittle efforts of the security forces to control the Esscom areas in Sabah waters

He urged them to be with the government to maintain the nation's sovereignty against any intrusions.

He said what occurred in the waters of Sabah, including the latest incident last night, involved the country's dignity which should not solely rest on the shoulders of security forces.

"I am asking social media or any parties not to run down the efforts by Esscom, police or the armed forces. This is a national problem. Our security forces should receive moral support from all parties.

"The social media should be with us and not merely be good at criticizing," he told reporters breaking fast with Kelantan Home Ministry staff at the Kelantan police contingent headquarters here tonight.

Commenting further, Ahmad Zahid said what happened was a challenge to the police even before taking over the administration and operations of Esscom on July 15.

"I want to affirm the incident is a blow to police even before taking over Esscom," he said adding that the action of the enemies in conducting guerilla style warfare has not dented the spirit of the security forces.      

Ahmad Zahid said the enemies were known to be very vindictive and were promised huge payouts by certain parties, to launch such attacks.

"The community is poor and they were influenced into carrying such actions," he said.

He said to date, the fate of Constable Zakia who was reported missing is still unknown.

              

- Bernama

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