JOHOR BARU, MALAYSIA - Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old schoolgirl here.

Johor police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the suspects were arrested during raids here and in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Part of the ransom money was also recovered during the raids.

"The girl was kidnapped at 11.20am on Monday while walking to her school in Tampoi with two friends.

"The kidnappers had called the family demanding a RM5mil ransom," he added.

It is learnt the amount was reduced to less than RM100,000 after negotiations.

"Within hours of the girl's release, the suspects were picked up at a house in Bangsar and here," DCP Mohd Mokhtar said.