Report: 50 detained in Sabah over 'revenge attack' letter from Kiram

At least 50 people have been detained in Sabah over a July 3 letter supposedly hinting at a "revenge attack" by followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, a Malaysian news site reported Saturday evening.

The New Straits Times said this developed as Sabah police continue to probe the letter supposedly sent by followers of Kiram.

"It is learnt that police had detained 50 people in connection to the case," the report said, but did not specify if those being held are Filipinos, Malaysians, or both.

Some 30 Filipinos and Malaysians had been charged for the standoff at Lahad Datu earlier this year. The standoff ended in violent clashes on March 1 and 2.
 
The New Straits Times report said police are still verifying the validity of the letter.
 
Earlier reports said the letter dated July 3 hinted at retaliation for the armed conflict earlier this year.

Signing the letter were "Militant Commandos" on behalf of the Sulu Sultanate.

Sabah deputy chief Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said they could not afford to ignore the threat. — LBG, GMA News