PETALING JAYA, June 26 — The Home Ministry does not rule out possibility that the spate of kidnappings in Sabah is due to attempts to revive Sulu militant groups in southern Philippines.

Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Sulu militants have resorted to kidnapping to fund their cause after they suffered huge losses following the assault by Malaysian security forces for invading Lahad Datu, Sabah.

“I believe that certain figures in southern Philippines are trying to revive Sulu militant groups.

“We have good cooperation with Philippine security forces to ensure that the militant groups are not revived,” he said commenting on the arrest of six suspected Sulu militants including a woman, in Kunak, Sabah yesterday.

Speaking to reporters after witnessing the launch of I-Kad for  international students, Zahid said the arrest was a short-term measure as the list of suspects was long.

”The police are hunting down the other suspects and the public will be informed of any development,” he added.

The arrest of six suspected Sulu militants was announced by the Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar in a statement yesterday.

A police corporal was among those arrested in a special operation conducted by Bukit Aman Special Branch and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom). — Bernama