IPOH, March 7 — Marine policeman Lance Corporal Zakia Aleip, who was kidnapped by an armed group in Pulau Mabul, Semporna in July last year, will be brought to meet a psychologist before resuming work.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said due to the incident, Zakia experienced trauma and his ministry would adhere to the psychologist’s advice on the best time for him to resume work.

“I have contacted the Sabah Police Commissioner (Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman) and informed him that Zakia be transferred to another unit and not placed in the same division,” he told reporters after attending the Perak Umno Convention here today.

Zakia, 26, arrived in Sandakan at about 7am today and after meeting with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, he was accompanied by officers from the Sabah police contingent headquarters to board an aircraft to Kota Kinabalu.

On July 12 last year, Zakia who was kidnapped by an armed group after they attacked a police marine unit in Pulau Mabul, Semporna.

The 11.10 pm incident also claimed the life of Corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32.

“We have been working so long for Zakia to be released. And because it involves someone’s life, we take steps to have negotiations for him to be released,” he said.

He congratulated the police for working to have Zakia released by various means. 

Ahmad Zahid also reminded the police to be more alert and cautious in carrying out their duties. — Bernama