Channel NewsAsia - Wednesday, March 26
SINGAPORE: The search for alleged JI leader of Singapore Mas Selamat Kastari will now become more targeted — based on specific intelligence on where he might be hiding.
Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng on Wednesday said information showed the wanted man is still in Singapore.
He gave this update on the manhunt efforts after meeting some 80 Gurkha soldiers involved in the search.
Mas Selamat escaped from the Whitley Road Detention Centre one month ago.
Mr Wong said the police and the Singapore Armed Forces have been conducting a systematic search of forested areas and unoccupied buildings.
This general search will be completed in about a week.
Mr Wong added that large ground forces deployment will be scaled down, but ground forces will remain ready to be activated.
Other operations such as security inspections at land checkpoints and sea patrol surveillance will continue.
Mr Wong said if necessary, Singapore will amend its laws to strengthen policing within its territorial waters.
He emphasised that the manhunt will continue for as long as it takes until Mas Selamat is captured. — CNA/ac
