TRIED TO ENTER SINGAPORE IN 2015
YLK has been known to ISD since the early 2000s for a history of terrorism-related activities.
A member of the terror group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Indonesia, he underwent militant training in Mindanao, Philippines from the late 1990s to early 2000s.
In 2003, he was arrested and imprisoned in Indonesia for the illegal possession of firearms, before he was released.
“On account of his JI-related terrorism antecedents, ISD had placed YLK on an entry watchlist as part of our stringent border security measures,” it said.
ISD also confirmed reports that YLK had attempted to enter Singapore in February 2015. He was denied entry and deported to Batam.
“ISD has not yet ruled out the possibility that YLK’s attempted trip to Singapore was for reconnaissance purposes to further the attack plot against the SGX,” it said.
“Apart from the attempted visit to Singapore in 2015, he has not made other visits to Singapore.
“Investigations remain ongoing, and we are in close contact with our Indonesian counterparts over the recent arrest.”
The 2014 attack plot “serves as a reminder that Singapore continues to be viewed as a prized target” by terror groups such as Al-Qaeda and their regional affiliates in Southeast Asia.
“While there is no imminent terror threat to Singapore at this point in time, the terrorism threat remains high,” said ISD.
“The public is urged to maintain vigilance and promptly report any suspicious individuals or activities to the authorities.”
