A 26-year-old Singaporean man who was arrested after a suspicious item was found at St Joseph’s Church in Bukit Timah will be charged with making a false terrorist threat, the police said on Monday.

“Preliminary investigations suggest that the man had allegedly staged the incident by placing a self-fabricated item which resembled an improvised explosive device within the church premises,” police said.

“He is believed to have acted alone and there is currently no evidence to suggest that it was a religiously motivated attack or an act of terror.”

The suspect will be charged in court on Monday with an offence under Regulation 8(2)(a) of the United Nations (Anti-terrorism Measures) Regulations.

The fake bomb is later discovered to have been made from three cardboard rolls and wires sealed with black tape. Photo: Facebook/Singapore Police Force

An application will be made to have him remanded for psychiatric evaluation.

If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years’ jail, a fine of up to S$500,000 (US$387,000), or both.