DEPUTY Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng was overcome with emotion on Friday when he recounted how his friends congratulated him after they read newspaper reports about Mas Selamat being captured in Malaysia.

'I am happy, I am sure Singaporeans are also happy. I received many SMSes this morning congratulating ISD (Internal Security Department) for the capture.

'I also met friends at my club this morning; they also congratulated me,' said Mr Wong, who is also Home Affairs Minister, addressing a press conference on the capture of the Jemaah Islamiah leader by Malaysian authorities on April 1.

His capture ends 14 months of anxiety for the Home Affairs Ministry, which came under severe pressure and public criticism after the dramatic escape from the Whitley Road Detention Centre on Feb 27 last year. The escape led to a massive manhunt, strict border checks and hours of grilling in Parliament for Mr Wong.

On Friday, a visibly happy Mr Wong said Singapore was told of Mas Selamat's arrest by the Malaysian authorities 'soon after' April 1.

After he received the news, he immediately called Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to relay the information.

The PM's reaction: 'Well, it's good we finally got him.'

Mr Wong had words of praise for ISD staff, noting the team work and camaraderie that enabled them to continue functioning.

'Despite the setback, ISD officers continued to work hard and did not let it dampen their spirits. Their efforts paid off,' he said.

He also commended the Malaysian Special Branch (MSB) for its excellent work, and noted that between the two, there had been a 'longstanding co-operative cordial relationship'.