Tourist kidnapping in Semporna district in eastern Malaysia

A Chinese tourist and a hotel receptionist were kidnapped by 6 armed men from the Singamata Reef Resort in the Semporna district in eastern Malaysia. The attackers are suspected to be associated with the Abu Sayyaf, a Filipino rebel group that has been implicated in seaborne kidnappings for ransom in the region before. Travellers should be cautious and reconsider travelling in the province of Sabah.