Singapore advises citizens travelling in Malaysia to exercise vigilance in wake of deadly Johor attack
Lutfil Jumadi
17 May 2024 09:56PM (Updated: 17 May 2024 10:35PM)
SINGAPORE: The Singapore government on Friday (May 17) advised Singaporeans who are in or travelling to Malaysia to exercise vigilance after an attack took place at a police station in Ulu Tiram on the outskirts of Johor Bahru.
In a press statement released on Friday evening, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said: "Singaporeans in or travelling to Malaysia are advised to exercise vigilance and take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.
MFA said that Singapore strongly condemns the attack, which was carried out by a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group in the early hours of Friday morning. The attack led to the deaths of two police officers and left another officer injured.
"We extend our sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families, and wish the injured officer a speedy recovery," MFA said.
PRE-DAWN ATTACK
The attacker, a 21-year-old man, entered the police post armed with a parang and attacked one police officer near the station's entrance, taking his pistol.A firefight then ensued between the attacker and police officers in the station's car park area. The suspect was shot dead during this exchange.
All five members of the suspect’s family aged between 19 and 62 have been arrested including his father, who is a known member of JI.
More than 20 people believed to be linked to JI are also being tracked down for questioning in relation to the attack.
The suburb town of Ulu Tiram is located about 20km from Johor Bahru. It is close to Mount Austin, a popular shopping destination for Singaporeans.
MFA said that it is monitoring the situation in Johor Bahru together with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru.
It also advised Singaporeans travelling to Malaysia to eRegister with MFA through its website so that it can contact and assist them in emergencies.
"We also encourage all Singaporeans travelling abroad to purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance," MFA added.
