Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the suspect claimed to be targeting another Israeli national over a family dispute. However, the police are conducting further investigations.

Following the arrest, police have beefed up security for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other VIPs, amid the country’s relentless support for Palestine in the ongoing Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

“Our concern is that due to the Palestine-Israel issue, we have to take into account the safety of the king, the prime minister, several VVIPs and officers,” he told the media. He did not rule out the possibility that the suspect had other agenda.

The police investigation also focused on whether the suspect is actually an Israeli agent. It is believed that he is not operating alone.

Razarudin said the suspect claimed to have purchased all the firearms, of various models including a Sig Sauer, Glock 27, and Smith and Wesson, while he was in Malaysia.

The suspect claimed the transaction took place using cryptocurrency. The police are still investigating who sold the weapons and how they were smuggled into Malaysia.

Razarudin said investigation showed that the man entered the country using a French passport, but when pressed further, handed over his Israeli passport.

“We found out that the suspect had landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on March 12 from the United Arab Emirates. He claimed to be searching for another Israeli man, who was to be murdered over a family dispute,” Razarudin said.

The man had stayed in three other hotels before he was arrested, Razarudin said. He has been remanded in custody until March 31.