Sabah-Mindanao trade suspended; M'sians among dead militants
Published on: Saturday, May 27, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: Commercial trading activities between Sabah and Mindanao have been put on hold following the escalation of violence and declaration of martial law in Southern Philippines on Thursday.Local traders doing business transactions with their counterparts in Zamboanga City and nearby areas are adopting a "wait-and-see'"position for security and other economic reasons.Disclosing this Friday, BIMP-EAGA Transport Cluster Chairman Nordin Bin Ening said it is too risky for Sabah traders to continue shipments of major products like rice, sugar and flour among others to Mindanao .
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He said the Marawi siege carried out by the Maute group last Tuesday forcing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to declare martial law in the entire islands of Mindanao have resulted significant negative impact on the business sector in the affected areas and a "domino " effect on the traders in Sabah."I have advised our members in the BIMP-EAGA community here to exercise extra caution in the meantime until the situation in Mindanao improves," Nordin said.According to him, officials of the BIMP-EAGA Transport Cluster committee are constantly in touch with their Filipino counterparts for updates.In KUALA LUMPUR, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed reports that two Malaysian men were killed in clashes between the Philippine security forces and militant groups in Marawi City, Mindanao.
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He added that he had been informed of their identities and background, but will leave it to the police to release further information."Bukit Aman will release the intelligence information," he said.
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The Star cited unnamed intelligence sources identifying the two dead as Abdurahman Asmawi from Kelantan and Dr Kamsa Yahya from Kedah.The duo were said to be among 13 militants killed in clashes with the Philippine military last Tuesday as the Duterte administration's hunt for Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.The Philippine Abu Sayyaf militants are said to have links with Syria-based global terror network Islamic State.Malaysia's Special Branch police said its intelligence indicates at least five other Malaysians are still in Marawi City and that it will take time to verify the numbers and their identities.The Abu Sayyaf has extended its web across South-east Asia, with supporters coming in from Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country.Islamist militants have been stepping up attacks in the region, hitting Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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