KUALA LUMPUR: Unlike what was portrayed in the movie The Godfather, Malaysia fortunately has no mafia, but secret societies and thug gangs “rule” here.
Criminal gangs are defined in three categories according to the Societies Act – triads, secret societies and thug gangs.
Triads refer to big criminal groups with an organised structure such as the mafia in the west or the yakuza in Japan.
Triad members move about secretly and conduct their activities – such as money laundering and international crimes – systematically.
“Such gangs are not found in Malaysia,” said Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) deputy director Deputy Comm Datuk Fadil Marsus (pic).
As for secret societies, he explained that these gangs could have up to 300 members but do not have an organised structure.
“Secret societies have been inherited for generations, involving many ethnicities,” he said.
“Among those that have been identified are the 360, 24, 08, 36 and 77 gangs. They move discreetly but not on the same level as a triad,” he said in an interview.
DCP Fadil said members of secret societies would communicate using codes and logos.
“They have oath-taking rituals, such as swearing to be a member for life,” he added.
DCP Fadil said secret societies have their own hierarchy with leaders calling the shots.
“The lower-rank members must abide by every order or instruction given by the leaders.
“Their top leadership is accorded with names such as Tok Ayah, Ayahanda, Abang Long and Abang Kawasan, depending on their turfs,” he said.
Lastly, DCP Fadil said that “thug gangs” in Malaysia refer to small groups that operate in rural areas.
“They do not have fixed names. Instead, the name of the group will be that of its leader. They also do not have oath-taking ceremonies.”
DCP Fadil said that these thugs do not present a significant security threat but the police are nevertheless keeping an eye on them.
“These small-time gangsters are mostly involved in crimes such as small-scale drug pushing,” he said.
He added that secret societies and thug gangs have long existed in the country, with members comprising people of various races and backgrounds.
The Star reported on Saturday that Bukit Aman is pushing for stricter laws to stop the increasing violence committed by gangs in Malaysia.
Some of these gangs are recruiting members via social media.
