KUALA LUMPUR – Singapore is tightening security measures in the wake of the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in Johor, the republic’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said.
Calling for public vigilance against terrorism threats, Wong said Singapore’s security agencies were continuing to monitor global and regional security developments closely.
“Such an attack, just across our borders, is a grim reminder that the threat of terrorism remains high.
“I have just received a briefing from our security agencies. In view of the heightened threat situation following the Ulu Tiram attack, we have stepped up security measures, including at our checkpoints,” said Wong, who was sworn in as prime minister last Thursday, on Facebook.
He also cautioned that Israel’s war on Hamas had been used by terrorist “elements” to incite calls for violence.
“We have to remain vigilant against extremist ideology finding resonance here.”
Wong also said Singapore had detained four youths under the age of 20 who “self-radicalised” under the Internal Security Act in the last two years.
He urged the public to report any suspicious persons or activities to the authorities immediately, stressing that this would allow timely action and prevent such persons from harming themselves and others.
Since the Ulu Tiram attack last Friday, Singapore’s Home Ministry and Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have said there will be stricter checks at land entry points.
Travellers have been cautioned to expect heavy traffic and delays in immigration clearance. The situation is expected to be compounded this week by the Wesak Day public holiday tomorrow and the start of the June school holidays.
Friday’s predawn attack by a lone assailant on the Ulu Tiram police station killed two police officers and injured another, who shot dead the attacker.
Malaysian Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has said that although the attacker acted alone, his father had been a member of terror group Jemaah Islamiyah.
Police have arrested and obtained remand orders for five family members of the assailant, including the father. Two university students whom police suspect acted as decoys prior to the attack have also been arrested. – May 21, 2024