KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 — The police have identified the presence of more than 20 Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members in Johor currently said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
They have started an in-depth investigation into the presence of the JI extremist group following this morning’s attack by one of its members at the Ulu Tiram police station, which ended in the death of two policemen, the injury of another, and the suspect's death at the hands of the authorities.
He said there is reason to believe the number can increase if there are others who are not accounted for in other areas.
“Everything is under investigation by police,” said Razarudin when contacted by Bernama today.
Apart from the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station, the police thwarted another incident yesterday that is believed to be in connection to this morning's attack, but nothing was revealed.
In the 2.45am incident, a masked man on a motorcycle arrived at the Ulu Tiram police station and attacked a policeman with a machete, slashing him in the head and later shooting him dead before shooting dead another policeman and injuring another. The assailant was later shot dead as well.
The deceased police officers were identified as Constables Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar and Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said.
The injured policeman, Lance Corporal Mohd Hasif Roslan, is currently receiving treatment at the Sultan Ismail Hospital.
The police later raided the attacker’s house, and all five family members, aged between 19 and 62, were arrested, including the father, who is a known JI member. Two higher learning institution students were also detained.
The shocking incident also drew the attention of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who wants swift action to be taken against those who create chaos in the country, including causing the death of those on duty.
"Matters of peace and security we will not compromise or tolerate; the government will be firm.
"The lives of the people are a priority to us; there will not be progress if there is no peace. Firm action will be taken to stop such acts of violence. I fully back the police to take action,” he said.
— Bernama
