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 ©The Star (Used
by permission)
EXECLUSIVE: By Lourdes Charles
KUALA LUMPUR: At least three titled politicians are among several
influential people being investigated by police over their connection with
triads in Sarawak.
The special task force set up by Bukit Aman is expected to record statements
from the politicians soon.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan confirmed that several
politicians were being investigated.
He, however, declined to reveal who they were or if any of them were holding
posts in the state administration.
Sources familiar with the investigation said a number of arrests would be made
soon.
The special task force, under Musa's supervision, was set up following a
personal visit by Musa to Sibu and Kuching last month.
The IGP’s visit came after Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing’s outburst in
the Dewan Rakyat over rampant gangsterism in Sarawak.
Tiong had claimed that gangsters were causing havoc in the state, including
controlling the prices of essential goods like eggs and fuel.
During his visit, Musa was told by his officers that 16 gangs with a total
membership of up to 300 operated in Sibu, Kuching, Sarikei and Bintulu.
The most active gang in the state is believed to be the Hua Kee gang, which is
said to be involved in violent crimes, extortion, robbery, illegal logging and
loan sharking.
Gangs of Sarawak townships
By Stephen Then
MIRI: Crime syndicates have carved out cities and towns in Sarawak, dividing
them into various territories.
State Police Commissioner Datuk Talib Jamal acknowledged yesterday that these
gangsters were running protection money rackets and victimising business folks.
“We have launched an all-out war against these criminals. Those who have been
victimised, please come forward and help us to stop these thugs,” he said
yesterday.
A business manager here said he had been forced to pay up to RM1,000 a month by
the gangsters.
“Shortly after I started my business, a group of fierce-looking youths came to
my workshop and introduced themselves as being from a certain gang. They told me
that it was a ‘custom’ that those who just started a business offer money to
those who ‘controlled’ the area.
“They asked for RM1,000 every month and promised that nothing bad would happen
to me, my workers and my family if I did so,'' said the man, who requested not
to be named.
It is learnt that the popular targets for the “protection money gangsters” were
pubs, karaoke outlets, hair salons, coffeeshops, restaurants, factories and
gaming outlets.
It is said that 16 major gangs operate in Sarawak. In Miri, there are three
gangs, who have divided the district into three zones.
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list of participants.refugee law seminar
Properly handled, this will be the welcome opportunity to re-establish the shining professionalism of the Royal Malaysia Police Force. Once the police are known to be professional - what happened in Ijok in more than unfortunate! - then the rakyat will have a lot more confidence in the force.
There was a time in the 1960s and 1970s when the police enjoyed the trust of the rakyat. Can we return to that prized position, for the sake of our children and grandchildren?