Suspected Muslim militants in the Philippines have threatened to kill a Malaysian hostage if the family does not pay a ransom by November, the wife of the victim said today.

The kidnappers also told her that her husband, Chan Sai Chiun, was not well, Chin Pek Nyuen told reporters in the eastern state of Sabah.

The kidnappers demanded RM3 million (US$917,000) in ransom money, she said.

Chan was seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels during a raid on his fish farm in Kunak town in Sabah, 1,840 kilometres east of Kuala Lumpur, in June. He was then taken to the southern Philippine island of Jolo.

Earlier this month, Abu Sayyaf recently released two German hostages after six months in captivity, including on Jolo island, but there was no confirmation of whether a ransom had been paid.

Abu Sayyaf militants are also believed to be holding hostage a Malaysian police officer, and have demanded money for his release.

- dpa

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