Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar confirms that the five Malaysian crew of a tugboat, who went missing in the waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Sabah, had been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

He said the information was also verified by the Philippine authority.

"I can confirm that they were kidnapped, but there has yet to be any demand for ransom," he said after closing the Trim & Fit 2016 programme in Kuala Lumpur today.

Khalid, however, refused further comment.

It was reported that the tugboat was found abandoned with its engine still running in the waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Lahad Datu last Monday.

The five have been identified as skipper Abd Rahim Summas, 62, from Kampung Tanjung Batu, Tawau; Tayudin Anjut, 45, from Kampung Tanjung Batu Darat, Tawau; Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, 32, from Felda Jengka 7, Bandar Jengka, Pahang; Fandy Bakran, 26, from Kampung Pukat, Tawau, and Mohamad Jumadil Rahim, 23, from Batu 2 Jalan Apas, Tawau.

- Bernama