Malaysia on alert at entry points for riot fugitives
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian authorities are always in a state of preparedness in monitoring its entry points to ensure no fugitive wanted in connection with last Sunday’s rioting in Singapore slips into Malaysia.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the Malaysian and Singapore authorities were always exchanging information on security, including blocking and detaining anyone wanted by both neighbouring nations.
“We have also reached an accord with Singapore and Indonesia to give early warning and information, to be alert and detect escaping criminals,” he said.
Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby during the Dewan Negara session here today, he said that to date, he had yet to receive any information on whether any individual involved in the riot had escaped to Malaysia.
On Sunday, Indian national Sakthivel Kumaravelu, 33, was killed when he was hit by a bus at the Jalan Race Course and Hampshire junction, triggering a riot by 400 people, which resulted in 10 injured policemen and damage to several vehicles in the Little India area.
Sunday’s incident was the first in Singapore’s history since the week-long communal riots in 1969.
In that incident, four people died and 80 were injured.
On a media report that a Malaysian was detained and then released in connection with the incident, Wan Junaidi said that was under the jurisdiction of the republic’s authorities.
“If our citizens commit an offence (in Singapore), it is up to their authorities to act. Likewise, we will take action against Singaporeans here if they commit traffic offences or are criminals,” he added.
Following the riot, 24 Indian nationals have been charged in court.
In a statement, Singapore’s foreign affairs ministry spokesman said the ministry was working closely with the Indian High Commissioner to facilitate consular access and support for their nationals, including legal representation.
Meanwhile, the police said in their Facebook posting: “As of Tuesday at 3.20am, further investigations revealed that two more male subjects, an Indian national and another with Singaporean PR (permanent resident status), were not involved in the riot in Little India.” — Bernama
