Abu Sayyaf ransom money raising terror risk for Sabah, security experts warn
Malaysian state faces heightened risk of kidnappings to fund militant group's arms for terrorist activities.
The Malaysian state of Sabah is at risk of more raids from Abu Sayyaf as ransom money paid to the group enables the militants to procure weapons and powerful boats to carry out kidnappings.
Abu Sayyaf, according to a senior regional security source, is funded almost entirely by ransom money, which has helped turn it into one of the most dangerous militant groups in the region. He also warned that the group would continue to carry out kidnappings.
"They won't stop their kidnappings. If they do, how are they going to survive?" the source told the Sunday Morning Post.
"The ransom money has enabled Abu Sayyaf to enhance their capabilities, and send men to go into Sabah."
Two weeks ago, the group beheaded Malaysian Bernard Then, 39, who was snatched from a seafood restaurant in Sandakan, Sabah, in May in a bold raid.
He was believed to be killed as the militants had raised the ransom beyond what had been paid to them.