He said it also indirectly deflected criticisms by the opposition on efforts by the government to enhance security in the area concerned.

“This success is also due to good intelligence. I hope, after this, action or tactics by the Sabah police can be enhanced.

“At the same time, we hope the people will continue to give their support to the authorities,” he told reporters when met at the Pulai parliamentary constituency family day here today.

Nur Jazlan also attributed the success in foiling last Thursday’s kidnap attempt in Pulau Gaya to cooperation by the National Security Council with Indonesia and the Philippines in addressing crime in Sabah waters.

In the incident on Thursday, three of the seven suspects, believed to be kidnappers from the southern Philippines, were shot dead by the General Operations Force (GOF). Two others were detained while another two escaped.

According to police, the kidnappers abducted two boat skippers, one of whom was rescued while the other has gone missing with the two kidnappers.

A GOF member suffered a leg injury in the incident and was warded at Semporna Hospital.