Heightened security at Singapore checkpoints following attack on Johor police station
Delays are expected due to enhanced checks and travellers should factor in extra time for immigration clearance, said Singapore's Ministry of Home Afffairs.
Police officers on patrol in Singapore. (File photo)
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SINGAPORE: Security measures in Singapore, including those at checkpoints, were stepped up on Saturday (May 18), a day after a pre-dawn attack at a Johor police station that killed two police officers.
"In view of the heightened threat situation, and that the Malaysian police are looking for several other JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) members, we had earlier today stepped up security measures, including at our checkpoints," said Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in a statement on Saturday night.
These measures include increased patrols and enhanced checks on travellers. As a result, delays are expected at checkpoints and MHA has advised travellers to take into account the extra time needed for immigration clearance.
Malaysia arrested seven people following Friday's attack in the outskirts of Johor Bahru. Authorities are also tracking down more than 20 people believed to be members of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.
MHA also said on Saturday that the Internal Security Department (ISD) has been in touch with its Malaysian counterparts on the attack.
"If someone you know shows signs of radicalisation, do contact ISD at 1800-2626-473 for assistance promptly," said MHA.
"Early reporting will allow ISD and its partners to help the individual in a timely manner and prevent the person from harming himself/herself and others."
On Friday, Singapore's Foreign Affairs Ministry advised Singaporeans who are in or travelling to Malaysia to exercise vigilance and to take all necessary precautions regarding their personal safety.
The attack was carried out in the early hours of Friday at the police station in the town of Ulu Tiram, on the outskirts of Johor Bahru. The town is close to Mount Austin, a popular shopping destination for Singaporeans.
The assailant, who was killed in the ensuing firefight, was a 21-year-old man whom Malaysian authorities said was a JI member.
Of the seven people who were subsequently arrested, five are family members of the attacker. All seven are Malaysians, the country's police chief said on Saturday, refuting local media reports that one of those detained was Singaporean.
