Source CNA
ULU TIRAM, Johor: More than 20 people believed to be members of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) have been arrested by Malaysian police after an attack on a police station in the outskirts of Johor Bahru in the early hours of Friday (May 17).
The attack at Ulu Tiram police station at around 2.30am killed two police officers and left one injured.
Speaking at a press conference outside the police post, Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said that the suspect, a 21-year-old male, had entered the police post armed with a parang. He attacked one police officer near the station’s entrance, taking his pistol.
A firefight then ensued at the car park area of the station between the suspect and police officers, which resulted in the death of another officer, Mr Razarudin added. The suspect was also shot dead during this exchange.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain speaks to the media during a press conference outside the Ulu Tiram police station. (Photo: CNA/Zamzahuri Abas)
He said that police officers then searched the suspect’s home and found evidence that he was a JI member.
“We have also found that the suspect did his preparations, the bag he was using was padded with zinc and other material so that he could use it as a shield during a firefight with police,”
“So from what we see, the individual came to the police post to get a gun for his agenda, which we don't know yet what it is. I have instructed the Special Branch to identify all JI members in Johor to be called up for questioning,”
When probed by reporters on what was the motive of the attack, Mr Razarudin said:
"They are JI members ... we suspect that (it is to obtain weapons), but we must investigate further."
Mr Razarudin outlined that more than 20 people believed to be linked to JI have been arrested for questioning, including five members of the suspect’s family aged between 19 and 62.
He stressed that the suspect's father, aged 62, is a known member of JI.
Mr Razarudin added that two people who were making a police report at the time have also been nabbed as he said that “it was not logical” for them to be reporting an incident which allegedly took place two years ago, implying that they might be involved in the attack as distractions for police.
Mr Razarudin added that security has been stepped up at police stations, the state’s palace as well as the official residence of the Johor chief minister.
The bodies of the two police officers and the suspect have been taken to Hospital Sultan Ismail for autopsy and further investigations. The injured officer has also been taken to the same hospital for treatment, reported Bernama.
Jemaah Islamiyah is linked to Al Qaeda, the terror group that carried out the 9/11 attacks in the US in 2001. JI is responsible for some of Indonesia’s deadliest terror attacks, including the 2002 Bali bombings which killed more than 200 people.
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