Johor’s Islamic Religious Department is increasing surveillance on alleged deviant teachings in response to an attack on a police station in Johor Bahru that left two officers dead and one injured. A special committee has been formed to monitor the spread of such teachings, with decisions being brought to the Johor State Islamic Religious Council for review. The public has been assured that reports will be thoroughly investigated to determine if the teachings are deviationist or not.
The chairman of the Islamic Religious Affairs Committee in Johor stated that Ulu Tiram, where the attack took place, would not be the only area under scrutiny. The committee will also focus on other locations while paying close attention to Ulu Tiram. The attack occurred when a 21-year-old man entered the police station wielding a machete and fatally stabbed an officer. A firefight ensued between the attacker and police officers, resulting in the death of another officer. The suspect was also fatally shot in the exchange.
Police later revealed that the suspect was found to be a member of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) based on items found in his bag, which included zinc sheets and papers. However, after interviewing 46 individuals flagged as persons of interest, authorities concluded that the suspect acted alone and had no connection to terrorist groups. Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan urged the public not to speculate on the incident, emphasizing the importance of preserving the area’s status as an investment hub and international gateway.
The two deceased officers were identified as Constable Ahmad Azza Fahmi and Constable Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said. Another injured officer, Mohd Hasif Roslan, is in stable condition at the hospital. Constable Ahmad Azza was buried with over 1,000 people attending the funeral procession. The Pahang state government announced a contribution to the next of kin of Constable Muhamad Syafiq. Police have arrested five family members of the suspect, aged 19 to 62, along with two other individuals, all of whom are remanded for seven days to assist with the investigation under the Penal Code.
The tragic incident has sparked concerns about the spread of deviant teachings and the potential impact on the region’s security and investment reputation. Authorities are increasing monitoring and surveillance efforts to ensure that such teachings are addressed promptly. The public has been urged to refrain from speculation and trust in the enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations. The support and contributions to the families of the deceased officers reflect the community’s solidarity in the face of tragedy. As investigations continue, efforts are being made to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure the safety and well-being of all residents in the region.
