JOHOR BARU (ANN/THE STAR) – Following an attack on the Ulu Tiram, police station that left two police officers dead in Johor, Malaysia, seven individuals, including two students and a 62-year-old man linked to Jemaah Islamiyah, have been arrested.
The incident unfolded when a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman visited the station at 2:30 AM on Friday to seek advice on a sexual assault case from two years prior, according to Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
During this time, another 21-year-old man arrived on a motorcycle, approached the rear of the station, and attacked a police officer, slashing his neck.
Seven people, including two students and a 62-year-old man believed to be a member of Jemaah Islamiyah, have been arrested following the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station.
Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the incident began when the two students, a 22-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, came to the police station at 2.30am on Friday (May 17).
“The duo came to seek advice from the police regarding a sexual assault case that happened two years ago,” Razarudin was speaking to the media after visiting the Ulu Tiram police station here.
A 21-year-old man then came on a motorcycle and went to the back of the police station, he said.
“One of our policemen went behind to inquire about the man before he was slashed in the neck.
“The suspect then took the victim’s gun. At the same time, another two MPV policemen, who had just finished their patrol, returned to the police station when the shootout happened.
“One of our men was shot in his cheek and the bullet went through his head, while another was shot in the shoulder and waist,” Razarudin said.
Two policemen were killed while another was injured when they were attacked by an intruder at the Ulu Tiram police station.
The deceased cops have been identified as Constable Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar and Constable Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said.
The intruder was shot dead at the scene.
Razarudin said investigations resulted in the arrest of five family members of the suspect, including his 62-year-old father, who is believed to be a member of Jemaah Islamiyah.
“Our investigations revealed that the suspect made preparations to fight with the police based on the items found in his bag, which he used as a shield. There were zinc sheets and paper inside.
“Investigations at the suspect’s house also found there were texts pasted on the walls,” he said, adding that all family members were aged between 19 and 62 years old.
Razarudin said the students were arrested because they were suspicious.
“The case happened two years ago and they were only trying to seek police advice in the wee hours,” he said.
Razarudin added that the suspect’s likely motive was to steal weapons from the police station for an unknown agenda.
“I have instructed our Special Branch to arrest all Jemaah Islamiyah members in Johor to be investigated,” Razarudin said, adding that there were about 20 members in Johor.
