The Singapore government on Friday advised Singaporeans in or traveling to Malaysia to stay vigilant following the attack that took place on the Ulu Tiram Police Station on the outskirts of Johor Bahru.
In a press statement issued on Friday evening, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said: “Singaporeans staying in or traveling to Malaysia are advised to stay vigilant and take all vital precautions to make sure their very own safety.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Singapore strongly condemns the attack, which was carried out by a member of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) terrorist group within the early hours of Friday. Two law enforcement officials were killed and one other was injured within the attack.
“We express our sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families, and we wish the injured officer a speedy recovery,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The attacker, a 21-year-old man, entered the police station armed with a parang (a sort of knife) and attacked considered one of the law enforcement officials near the doorway to the station, taking his pistol.
Then, a shootout broke out between the attacker and law enforcement officials within the station’s car parking zone. During this exchange, the suspect was shot.
All five members of the family of the suspect, aged between 19 and 62, were detained, including his father, who’s a known JI member.
More than 20 people believed to be related to JI are being traced for questioning in reference to the attack.
Malaysian Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution called it a “lone wolf attack” based on an initial investigation and said there was no threat to the broader public.
“We have determined that the attacker acted alone… he was a lone wolf with some motivation and his own understanding,” Saifuddin said. “Its action is not tied to any larger mission.”
He said the suspect, who had no criminal record, did not have much contact with neighbors, nor did his family.
An investigation is underway to find out the person’s motive, added the minister.
The suburban town of Ulu Tiram is positioned roughly 20 km from Johor Bahru. It is positioned near Mount Austin, a preferred shopping destination for Singaporeans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was monitoring the situation in Johor Bahru along with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and the Consulate General of Singapore in Johor Bahru.
She also advised Singaporeans traveling to Malaysia to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via its website in order that they may be contacted and assisted in emergency situations.
“We also encourage all Singaporeans traveling abroad to buy comprehensive medical and travel insurance,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs added.
Additional reporting by Reuters
