Kidnap victim determined to continue living

KOTA KINABALU: Cage fish farm operator Chan Sai Chiun is not going to allow his experience of being held captive for more than 170 days by a group of kidnappers from South Philippines to turn him into a recluse.
"I am not going to allow that to dampen my spirit. Instead, I am determined to continue my business and life in Kampung Sapang Air, Kunak," he said.
Chan and his co-worker, known only as Mazlan aged around 20 were kidnapped by two gunmen at a fish farming centre at midnight on June 16.
Relating his ordeal, Chan, 32, who was released last Dec 10, said it was the thought of his wife and family that kept him strong during the days he was held captive.
"Every hour that passed by seemed like a month, but I was determined to stay alive and come back to Malaysia to continue the business in Kunak, but only spending day time at the farm and then be home by dark," he told reporters here today.
Also present was Chan's wife, Chin Pek Nyen, 42.
Chan, from Ipoh, said during the time he was held captive, he was treated well by the captors, except during the last four months prior to his release.
"I was never left hungry. Sometimes, they gave me tapioca, but normally it was rice and fish," he added.
During the first two months after he was abducted, Chan said he was held captive in a village on an island.
"They allowed me to take a walk on the island, but with guards accompanying me.

"After that, I was taken to a hut in a forest and held there until my release. My legs were chained to avoid me from escaping," he added.
On his release, Chan said he only realised he had been freed by his captors when it was the police who met him on his arrival in Sandakan.
"The night prior to that, three men came to the hut and told me to follow them. After walking for about an hour, I was taken on a speedboat, with two policemen on guard, and we arrived in Sandakan early that morning," he added.
Chan and his wife conveyed their appreciation and gratitude to the Malaysian government, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, political leaders and the police for the efforts which led to his release.
Meanwhile , marine police Constable Zakia Aliep has yet to be released by his captor following his abduction from the Mabul Water Bungalows Resort on Pulau Mabul in Semporna, following an ambush on July 12 during which his colleague, Corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, was killed. – Bernama