JOHOR BARU: The 34-year-old suspect in the attack near here was believed to have attempted to obtain firearms from the Ulu Tiram police station.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the police did not rule such as a motive of the suspect.
"We have yet to establish the motive behind the attack but we are not ruling out the possibility that it was to get a gun (police service revolver).
"The suspect's motive appears to involve acquiring firearms, although the exact agenda remains unclear.
"It seems that the suspect might have come to obtain firearms for that agenda," Razaruddin said.
The dead suspect had a bag reinforced with objects including metal sheets, a piece of zinc, papers and cloths stuffed in it, which is believed to be used as a body shield.
Razarudin has directed the Special Branch to identify and investigate all Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) members in Johor.
This move is part of a broader effort to understand the potential connections and motives behind the attack.
Security measures have also been heightened at all police stations nationwide and key locations throughout the state.
"All police stations are instructed to increase their monitoring efforts immediately."
He said police have also notified His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, and the Johor palace.