KUALA LUMPUR (THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Abductors of two women from a resort off Semporna have demanded RM36.4 million (S$14 million) for the release of a Chinese tourist, Home Minister Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi revealed.

"We have received a note that the kidnappers have asked for 500 million pesos or RM36.4 million as ransom.

""We have sent our team to discuss with the so-called reported middle person," he told reporters on Thursday.

Mr Zahid added that there has been no ransom demand for the Filipina hostage.

On April 2, Chinese tourist Gao Huayuan, 29, and Filipina resort worker Marcy Darawan, 40, were abducted from the Singamata Reef Resort in Semporna by seven gunmen believed linked to the Abu Sayyaf militant group.