KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA: A university student kidnapped here on Tuesday night was rescued by police in Tambunan yesterday. The 21-year-old woman was found in a car after it overturned near Kampung Rompon following a high- speed chase with police from Keningau early yesterday.

Two men were seen running from the wreck into the nearby jungle prompting a manhunt which resulted in the arrest of a 22-year-old local at 12.15pm.

He was taken to the Keningau police station. The student was sent to the Keningau district hospital for treatment.

"The manhunt is still on for the second suspect," said city police chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Sofi Zakaria.

"The victim is in shock but her condition is stable."

Ahmad Sofi said the student, a second-year Education in Science undergraduate from Sibu, Sarawak, was forced into a Perodua Kancil near a roundabout at Kingfisher Park in Likas near here on Tuesday at 7pm.

She was with a group of friends who were on their way to church for a fellowship meeting.

Ahmad Sofi said some of those in the group walked towards the church but two of them, including the victim, walked towards a supermarket nearby.

"One was walking in front and the other, behind. Suddenly, the one in front turned and saw her friend being forced into a car and it sped off," Ahmad Sofi added.

A report was lodged at the nearby Alam Mesra police beat base. Roadblocks were set up in the city and nearby districts.

At 5.30am yesterday, policemen on patrol duty spotted the Perodua Kancil and a chase ensued, which ended with the car overturning on a hilly stretch near Kampung Rompon.

As the policemen approached the car, the two suspects got out and ran towards the jungle, leaving the student in the car.

Meanwhile, police are looking for Mohd Ariffin Bidin, 29, of Kampung Tarap, Bongawan, to assist in the investigations.

Those with information on his whereabouts should contact the nearest police station immediately. -- By