17-5-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) An incident unfolded in the early hours of May 17 at the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, leaving two police constables and an unidentified assailant dead, while another officer sustained injuries. The circumstances surrounding the attack have sparked concerns and a thorough investigation by the authorities.
According to reports, a man in his 30s arrived at the police station armed with a weapon around 2:30 a.m. In a brutal assault, he slashed a constable manning the counter, leading to the officer’s immediate demise. As the commotion ensued, another policeman rushed to investigate, only to be fatally shot by the suspect.
Johor’s Police Chief, M. Kumar, confirmed that the suspect was subsequently shot dead at the scene by responding officers. The deceased officers’ bodies have been sent for post-mortem examinations, while the injured policeman, whose condition is reported as stable, is receiving medical treatment.
In a chilling revelation, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain disclosed that the suspect is believed to be a member of the notorious Jemaah Islamiyah extremist group. Consequently, seven individuals, including two students and a 62-year-old man suspected of being a Jemaah Islamiyah member, have been apprehended in connection with the attack. Notably, five of those arrested are family members of the suspect, including his 62-year-old father.
Addressing the media, Razarudin stated, “I have instructed our Special Branch to arrest all Jemaah Islamiyah members in Johor to be investigated,” adding that approximately 20 identified members reside in the state.
Investigations have uncovered disturbing details, suggesting that the suspect had made initial preparations to attack the Ulu Tiram police station. Razarudin revealed that the suspect’s bag contained zinc sheets and paper, which he intended to use as a makeshift shield during the assault.
The events leading up to the tragedy began when two students, a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, visited the police station at 2:30 a.m. on May 17, seeking advice regarding a sexual assault case from two years prior. Little did they know that their innocuous visit would coincide with the suspect’s arrival on a motorcycle.
As one of the policemen approached the suspect at the back of the station to inquire about his presence, the brutal attack unfolded, resulting in the officer being slashed in the neck. The suspect then seized the victim’s firearm and engaged in a shootout with two returning mobile patrol vehicle officers, leaving one shot in the cheek and head, and the other in the shoulder and waist.
Razarudin stated that the students were arrested due to their suspicious presence at the scene, adding that the suspect’s likely motive was to steal weapons from the police station for an unknown agenda.
Furthermore, investigations at the suspect’s residence revealed concerning texts pasted on the walls, heightening concerns about potential extremist influences.
