KOTA KINABALU: A group of armed men, who attacked fishing trawler in Segama waters off Kinabatangan two days ago, were believed attempting to carry out robbery or even kidnapping.
Sabah deputy police commissioner Datuk Razarudin Husain said the armed group was believed to have hailed from southern Philippines, based on the location of the attack, which is close to the maritime boundary.
"However, we believe the armed men are not from a militant group, but a small band involved in robbery and kidnap activities.
"The incident was reported to have occured at about 11 nautical miles away from Kuala Segama. So far, we have yet to identify the group," he said when met at the state police headquarters in Kepayan here, today.
Yesterday, NSTP reported the armed group on a boat had approached a fishing trawler with five fishermen on board at about 4.30pm, on Thursday.
In the incident, one of the armed men fired a shot towards the fishermen and the bullet hit the wall of the fishing vessel.
Fearing for their safety, four fishermen hid in an engine room while another, who was on the wheel continued steering the vessel to safety.
The armed group later fled the scene.
No injuries were reported in the event and police retrieved a bulletfrom the vessel.