A marine policeman who was kidnapped by a group of terrorists at a holiday resort on Mabul Island last Saturday is expected to be released before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Inspector-general of police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar said police would do their best to reunite Constable Zakia Aleip, 26, with his family before Hari Raya.

“Yesterday, the victim contacted his mother and wife. He said he is safe.  However, we are doing our level best to bring him back before Hari Raya, if possible.

“We have contacted the kidnappers but for the sake of national security, it is better we do not discuss this openly,” he said at a media conference after a ceremony to present Hari Raya Aidilfitri goodies to police staff at the Bukit Aman Police Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today.

Zakia was kidnapped by a group of eight armed men in an ambush at the holiday resort on Mabul Island last Saturday.

In the incident, another police personnel, Cpl Ab Rajah Jamuan, was killed.

- Bernama