PETALING JAYA: Malaysian engineer Richard Lau has been released from a Dubai prison, following intervention by the Government.

According to United Arab Emirates non-profit organisation Detained in Dubai (which represented Lau), Lau was released on Friday (Feb 15) after 10 months’ detention without charge.

“Worldwide press attention and a media campaign led by Detained in Dubai and Richard’s family drew the attention of Wisma Putra to his plight.

“Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman stepped in to help, meeting with Ras Al Khaimah emir Saud Saqr al Qasimi and other officials, and visiting Richard in prison.

“Since learning about the case, Anifah has been communicating closely with the Lau family,” said the statement.

The statement was also posted on Facebook, and was subsequently shared by Lau’s sister, Antonia.

Richard Lau with Malaysian Consul General Dato' Yubazlan.

Lau's sister Antonia also shared a photograph of her brother with Malaysian consulate general to Dubai, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof. "Praise the Lord! Richard is OUT! With the Consulate General of Dubai Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.

"Thank you for all your efforts Datuk, having spent the whole day at the prison with your team trying so hard to make sure our brother walks out today.

"My parents thank you, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are overjoyed beyond words to hear his voice finally from outside of the prison walls.

"Freedom is truly priceless. We have never been so happy. And relieved," she said. Anifah also posted a brief note on Facebook which said "Richard is out. Happy for him and his family."

The timing of Lau's release coincided joyfully with the advent of the Chinese New Year.

Anifah had met earlier with Ras Al Khaimah authorities to appeal for consideration that Lau be released on bail while waiting for his case to be brought up in court.

Richard had been posted to Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the United Arab Emirates, by a Miri-based Malaysian marine transport company as a project coordinator at its subsidiary there five years ago.

He was arrested in April last year following a complaint lodged by an Emirati, a partner of the subsidiary.

Lau was accused of stealing wages and commissions.

The complaint pointed to a large amount of money paid to Lau, which was apparently his salary for carrying out works as instructed by the parent company.