JB police form special team to investigate kidnapping case

SINGAPORE: Malaysian media Mstar.com.my has reported that Johor Bahru (JB) police have formed a special team to look into the kidnapping of a Singaporean family on Sunday.

The head of Investigations of the Johor Police Department, Amer Awal, was quoted as saying that authorities are working on several leads.

Armed men kidnapped 37—year—old Singaporean Rita Zahara’s younger sister, two children and maid, when they stopped at a petrol station in the early hours of the morning on Sunday.

They took off in her car and demanded ransom for the release of Ms Zahara’s family.

The family was released unharmed, after several hours.

Ms Zahara’s car, a white Nissan Sunny, is still missing.

Channel NewsAsia spoke to a regular traveller to Johor Bahru who said such crimes won’t deter his travel plans but has this piece of advice.

Alan Tang, who travels to JB three to four times a week for work, said: "I think the key thing to note is to be vigilant. Avoid quiet and isolated areas. The thing that lots of people tend to overlook is the maintenance of your car. Make sure you have a car that is well serviced to avoid having unnecessary breakdowns when you are in a foreign country. Most people like to pump petrol when in Malaysia, so choose petrol stations which are fairly crowded."

— CNA/ck