Interpol has been brought in to investigate the kidnapping of a Bahraini student in Malaysia.

The release of Ali Ahmed Al Nashaba, 20, was reported by police on Friday after his parents handed over a BD3,000 ($7,910) ransom, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

He was snatched by three men on January 28 from Linton University, in Kuala Lumpur, where he studies electrical engineering.

A Royal Malaysian Police spokeswoman told the GDN yesterday that the case had now been referred to Interpol.

"Since the boy is now free the case has been given to Interpol, so it would be they who have any information on the investigation," she said.

Meanwhile, a Bahrain Interior Ministry official confirmed that Al Nashaba was now in the care of Bahraini Interpol officers.

However, it is still unclear why kidnappers targeted him.

His brother, Fatha, said the whole family was relieved after making contact with him for the first time since the ordeal yesterday.

"We are so happy that he is OK," he said.

"I didn't get to talk to him, but my father did for only two minutes to make sure he was safe.

"This is very good news and he is in good health.

"He is with Interpol now and they are questioning him to try find the guys (who abducted him).

"I can't wait to talk to him again, the whole family can't wait - we are anxiously waiting and don't know any details.

"All we know is he is OK and with the police."

After Al Nashaba was freed police took him to hospital for a precautionary examination.

Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa personally called his father to break the news about his son's release.

Al Nashaba's parents were initially given 24 hours to pay 20,000 Malaysian ringgit (around BD2,260) to his abductors, who threatened to chop his fingers off, but the ransom demand was later increased to BD3,000. - TradeArabia News Service