Singaporean housewife detained over escalating radical behaviour

A 34-year-old Singaporean housewife and former part-time freelance religious teacher was issued an order of detention (OD) under the Singapore Internal Security Act (ISA) in April.

Ruqayyah Ramli was previously issued with a restriction order (RO) under the ISA in August 2020, after she was found to have been radicalised by her husband, the Internal Security Department (ISD) said on its website today.

Her husband, Mohd Firdaus Kamal Intdzam, a Malaysian, was repatriated in August 2020.

According to the ISD, investigations at the time established that she had supported Firdaus’ intention to join and fight for the terrorist group Islamic State (IS) in Syria.

She was also willing to accompany him to the conflict zone, where she intended to take care of the family and assist wounded IS fighters, the ISD said.

However, the ISD said since being placed on RO, there had been an escalation in Ruqayyah’s radical behaviour and involvement in activities prejudicial to Singapore’s security.

“Ruqayyah has refused to make any genuine effort to participate in the rehabilitation programme, and remains entrenched in her radical beliefs.

“She continues to support IS’ violent actions and believes in the use of violence against the perceived enemies of Islam,” said the ISD.

Further, in contravention of her RO condition, the ISD said she had persisted in communicating online with overseas IS supporters who were associates of Firdaus.

Ruqayyah was thus detained to prevent her from progressing further down the path of radical violence, it said.

A person issued with a RO must abide by several conditions and restrictions. Among others, the individual cannot access the internet or social media, issue public statements, address public meetings or print, distribute, contribute to any publication, hold office in, or be a member of any organisation, association or group, without the approval of the ISD director.