On Feb 29 2008, Asia's most wanted fugitive, Mas Selamat bin Kastari had escaped from the Whitley Detention Centre. Immediately after that happened, authorities released a warrant of arrest for him and it started a massive manhunt in Singapore.This incident created headlines in the papers and news around the region as now one of Asia's most dangerous terrorist was on the run. However, little did people know that he was actually seeking refuge somewhere in the heartlands of tampines on the very same night.

Before hiding at his brother Asmom's flat in Tampines, he had also tried to hide at different places such as forested areas. Asmom, his wife Aisah and daughter Nur Aini were jailed between three and 18 months for giving aid to the the terrorist after his escape. His niece, Nur Aini was sentenced to 18 months in jail, his brother, Asmom was given 12 months while his sister-in-law Aisah, three months’ jail. They were arrested and charged last Wednesday, on November 10. They were given sentences based on the fact that they had provided him with shelter, basic necessities and also helped destroy his clothes that was from WRDC.

What was shocking is that On 1 Mar 2008, before Mas Selamat left for Malaysia, Nur Aini applied make-up on Mas Selamat and secured a tudung (headscarf) over his head so that he could disguise himself as a woman to prevent him from being captured. She also handed to him a map of Singapore that showed part of Malaysia.

Asmom also gave him S$100 and RM100 for his escape from Singapore to Malaysia and also gave Mas Selamat some traditional medicine which the latter kept in his backpack while Aisah gave him an EZ-link card and hair-net which he wore as part of his disguise, and some paracetamol.

The family only admitted to being involved in this months after the arrest of Mas Selamat in Malaysia.


I am really very disappointed with the action of Mr Asmom's family as what they did was definitely jeopardizing our National security. To help a terrorist such as Mas Selamat is like indirectly supporting the cause of terrorism. They should have alerted the authorities immediately when after Selamat came to their house. However, we also cannot fully blame them for their actions. Blood is always thicker than water. When it comes to family, people would do and sacrifice anything for their loved ones. Therefore the question of National integrity always comes into play.

What would you do if a loved one that happens to be a wanted fugitive comes knocking on your doorstep?