Singapore advises citizens travelling in Malaysia to exercise vigilance in wake of deadly Johor attack
Singapore advises citizens travelling in Malaysia to exercise vigilance in wake of deadly Johor attack. The Singapore government issued an advisory on Friday (May 17) urging Singaporeans currently in Malaysia or planning to travel there to remain vigilant following an attack at a police station in Ulu Tiram, near Johor Bahru.
In a press statement released on Friday evening, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated: “Singaporeans in or travelling to Malaysia are advised to exercise vigilance and take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that Singapore strongly condemns the attack, which was perpetrated by a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group in the early hours of Friday morning. The attack resulted in 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,” said the MFA.
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, where the suspect was shot dead during the 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 individuals believed to be linked to Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) are also being tracked down for questioning in relation to the attack. Ulu Tiram, the suburb town where the incident occurred, is located about 20km from Johor Bahru and is near Mount Austin, a popular shopping destination for Singaporeans.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in Johor Bahru in coordination with the Singapore High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and the Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru.
The MFA advised Singaporeans traveling to Malaysia to eRegister on the MFA website to facilitate contact and assistance in case of emergencies. The ministry also urged all Singaporeans traveling abroad to purchase comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
