4-5-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) In a dramatic escalation of the investigation into the fatal shooting of two police officers at the Ulu Tiram police station, Malaysian authorities have rearrested five suspects under the stringent Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA), according to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The five individuals, whose remand orders were set to expire on May 24, have been detained under the security law, as reported by the media publication Malaysiakini. “We have detained the family of five under SOSMA,” Razarudin confirmed during a press conference at Menara KPJ on May 24.
The top police official also revealed that, thus far, 47 witnesses have been summoned as part of the ongoing investigation into the tragic incident that claimed the lives of Constable Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar and Constable Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said.
Addressing speculation surrounding the assailant’s potential links to militant groups, Razarudin clarified that investigations have confirmed the main suspect who carried out the shooting was not a member of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) organization. “After looking through our data, we found no connections… even though his father has (connections to JI),” he stated.
The Inspector-General further emphasized that the investigation is being conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigation Department and Special Branch, underscoring the gravity and complexity of the case.
The arrests under SOSMA, a controversial law initially enacted to combat terrorism, underscore the authorities’ determination to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice and accountability for the tragic loss of the two police officers’ lives.
The fatal shooting on May 17, which also resulted in the death of the assailant, had initially prompted the arrest of five family members aged between 19 and 62. However, with the expiration of their remand orders, the authorities have now invoked the far-reaching provisions of SOSMA, granting them broader investigative powers and prolonged detention periods.
