Shuhaily said the theory was based on the seizure of cash in riyal and baht currencies from Hafizul Harawi, who was detained yesterday, reported Berita Harian.

Shuhaily said police also seized a pistol with 33 bullets, firecrackers, six mobile phones and a passport.

“The 38-year-old suspect is believed to have arrived in Kelantan on Sunday afternoon after Zohor prayers. He then stayed at a hotel under another name which made his presence undetectable,” he told a press conference in Kota Bharu, Kelantan.

He said the suspect had also visited a private hospital to obtain a medical report before his arrest.

“The suspect underwent a health check at the private hospital before the shooting incident and visited (the hospital) yesterday to obtain the medical report,” he said.

Police are looking into whether the report was intended for a visa application.

Shuhaily also said the suspect was believed to have travelled to Kelantan on his own, and was familiar with the state as he had studied at a tahfiz centre in Pasir Mas.

Separately, Hafizul’s brother, Hanif, expressed relief on behalf of his family over the arrest and voiced hope that he would cooperate with the authorities.

“We want Hafizul to take responsibility for what he has done. He cannot avoid the consequences of his actions,” Hanif was quoted as saying by Berita Harian.

Earlier today, the magistrates’ court in Kota Bharu allowed the police’s application for Hafizul to be remanded until April 22.

Police are investigating the case under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder and Section 8 of the Firearms Act (Heavier Penalty) 1971 for the unlawful possession of a firearm.

When met outside the court, Hafizul told reporters that he would cooperate with the police in their investigation. “I need seven lawyers to represent me,” he added.

In the incident which took place early on Sunday morning, the suspect fired two shots at his wife at the airport’s arrival hall but missed. One of the shots hit her bodyguard, who is being treated in hospital.