Police: Those sporting gang tattoos can be arrested

KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals with tattoo or symbols of any secret societies or unlawful organisations on their body can be arrested, says Bukit Aman Anti-Vice, Gambling and Secret Societies Division principal assistant director Senior Asst Comm Datuk Rohaimi Md Isa.

He said those caught with the tattoo or symbol on their body could be sentenced up to three years in jail, or fined a maximum of RM5,000, if found guilty.

The government, he said, had gazetted 72 secret societies as unlawful organisations under the Societies Act 1966 in 2013 because their activities could undermine public order in the country.

Among secret societies found to be still active are the Sio Sam Ong, Ngo Sek Kee, Geng 360, Geng Double 7, Geng 3 Line and Geng 36.

“Currently, the use of tattoo by the gang members has become less, but their identity (as secret society members) can be detected through stickers and banners.

“The identity of the secret society members can also be detected clearly at funerals or festivals,” he said yesterday.

According to Rohaimi, a total of 369 secret society members have been detained under the Prevention Of Crime Act (POCA) over the past five years.

“Implementation of ‘ Op Cantas Khas' using POCA and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2002 has given a positive impact on efforts to combat secret society activities,”' he said.

Rohaimi also called for public to inform the police on extortion by secret society members, assuring them that their identity would not be revealed.