As reported by The Star, the detained Singaporean is one of seven individuals currently being held in connection with the attack. The swift action taken by law enforcement agencies is a testament to their commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.
UPDATE: No Singaporeans has been arrested
The detainees have been remanded for seven days, until May 24, to facilitate investigations into the attack. The remand order was issued at the district police headquarters, rather than at the Johor Bahru Magistrate’s Court, due to safety concerns.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of May 17, saw a masked intruder, armed with pistols and a machete, storm the Ulu Tiram police station, killing two police officers, aged 22 and 24, and injuring another. The assailant was subsequently shot dead at the scene. Authorities later recovered a Walther P99 pistol and a HK MP5 rifle from the scene.
Investigations have revealed that the suspect is believed to have been a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group, with JI materials found at the suspect’s house. The police have identified over 20 JI members in Johor following the attack.
In response to the incident, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly condemned the attack, extending condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured officer a swift recovery. The MFA is closely monitoring the situation in Johor Bahru, in cooperation with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and the Singapore Consulate General in Johor Bahru, and has advised Singaporeans in or traveling to Malaysia to exercise caution and take necessary precautions for their personal safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. As investigations continue, it is crucial that authorities work together to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such heinous acts from occurring in the future.