A tug has recently been boarded by intruders off Malaysia’s Sabah state, in what is thought to have been a failed kidnap attempt.

During the incident, which took place close to Tambisan Island, the tug’s crew were able to retreat to a secure room and raised an alarm.

“The intruders, who boarded from speed boats, were unable to get into the vessel’s accommodation and fled at the approach of Malaysian patrol boats,” according to UK-based security consultancy Gray Page

A spokesman for Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) told local media that around ten intruders were involved.

The crew of the tug, which was...