KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 — A Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officer who was among three men detained by the police in Sabah on June 13, on suspicion of involvement in militant activities was freed unconditionally last night.

RMN chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said the man was released from the Sandakan police station and would resume duty soon.

“He is currently at the KD Sri Sandakan Unit. The release (of the navy personnel) is good news to the RMN as it will help restore the good image and reputation of the navy,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after delivering the Aidilfitri greeting to RMN personnel at Wisma Pertahanan here today.

Abdul Aziz said he had asked Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to issue a statement on the man’s release.

He said a special team had been set up to closely monitor units in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Abdul Aziz said an auxiliary ship of the RMN’s Bunga Mas 5 (BM5) from Port Klang would be sent to the east coast of Sabah to further strengthen surveillance in the waters off the state.

“BM5 will be one of the components or element of ‘Sea-Basing’ and I am confident it will be able to strengthen surveillance in Sabah waters, especially to thwart foreign intrusion and kidnapping,” he noted. — Bernama