Kidnappings in the eastern coast of Sabah continue unabated with three fishing boat crew members reported being abducted early this morning.

According to New Straits Times, the abduction took place in waters close to Pom Pom Island off Semporna.

"The owner claimed that gunmen had stormed his vessel with three people on board and kidnapped the crew members, including the boat captain and a mechanic.

"So far, they are believed to have been taken to a neighbouring country," Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Wan Abdul Bari Abdul Khalid was reported as saying.

Additionally, Wan Abdul Bari when contacted by Bernama said a report on the case was received at 1.59am this morning.

"I can only confirm a kidnap had occurred in which a boat was seized and three people taken.

"Further information would be shed by Sabah police commissioner during a press conference later," he added.