JOHOR BARU: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution said the suspect behind the attack on the Ulu Tiram police station which killed two policemen was a "lone wolf" and is not linked to any group.
At a press conference, Saifuddin said the suspect, a 21-year-old Malaysian, acted on his motivations
"We believe (he acted on his own) as he disassociated himself from the public," he said at the state police headquarters here today.
"He was known to be a quiet person who rarely interacted with villagers."
Saifuddin said 46 people from the suspect's village, Kampung Sungai Tiram, were initially detained for questioning. They include the suspect's parents and three siblings.
He said seven of the 46 people will be remanded. They are being probed section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
"The remaining villagers were released after they provided their statements."
Saifuddin did not disclose the motive for the attack pending the ongoing probe into the incident.
He urged the public against speculating on the case and gave his assurance that public safety was the police's top priority.
Earlier, Saifuddin attended funeral prayers for the Constables Ahmad Azza Fahmi Azhar and Muhamad Syafiq Ahmad Said who were killed in yesterday's attack on the Ulu Tiram police station.
In 2.45am incident, the suspect slashed Ahmad Azza on his neck and head, and shot Muhamad Syafiq.
Ths suspect also shot and injured another policeman, Corporal Mohd Hasif Roslan, before being shot dead.
Mohd Hasif is being at Hospital Sultan Ismail. Saifuddin is scheduled to visit Mohd Hasif later today.