2024 in review: Ulu Tiram police station attack reminder that extremism can strike anywhere

JOHOR BARU, Dec 20 — The attack on the Ulu Tiram police station in the early hours of May 17, a deeply shocking incident, will be etched in history as one of the country’s darkest moments.

The lone wolf attack, which took place around 2.30 am, was an exceptionally rare occurrence that garnered widespread attention both within the country and internationally.

In response to the attack, neighbouring nations, including Singapore and Indonesia, heightened their security measures and issued travel advisories for Malaysia.

The tragic incident claimed the lives of two policemen – Corporal Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar, 22, and Corporal Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said, 24 – while Sergeant Mohd Hasif Roslan, 38, sustained injuries.

The 21-year-old assailant, armed with a machete, was fatally shot at the scene.

The attack was initially linked to the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist group. However, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail later clarified that police investigations revealed the attacker acted alone.

Saifuddin was quoted as saying that the local man had no ties to any group, as concluded by the police after interviewing 46 individuals to assist in the investigation.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain clarified that the earlier association with JI stemmed from the suspect’s father’s involvement with the terrorist group.

This clarification provided reassurance to the community, alleviating concerns about the potential revival of the group in the southern state, once known as the “medan usrah” for its members at Madrasah Luqmanul Hakim in Ulu Tiram during 1996 and 1997.