Politicians, the new force behind crime syndicates?

Local politicians are alleged to have links with at least 10 major secret societies, comprising Chinese, Indian and Malay groups, a source told Sin Chew daily.

"Some of these politicians use their influence and back these gangsters while others act as advisers to the senior group members," the source revealed.

"The politicians also use the gangsters to help increase their own income through money-lending activities. The returns on illegal money-lending far exceed the conventional interest rates."

The Home Ministry is expected to release the list of secret societies soon, having declared war on illegal activities these gangsters are involved in.

Malaysiakini reported that the list includes the Indian-based "Gang 04, 08, 21 and 36", Chinese dominated "Hong Shun Tang, 3821, Wu Se Qi, Hong Men and Hua Ji Dang" and Malay-based "Geng 3 Calit".

"The Chinese gangsters are usually involved in selling pirated DVDs, illegal gaming, vice and drugs," the source said.

Indian gangsters collect protection money from nightclubs, pubs and hawkers. They are also known to carry out assassinations from time to time.

Malay gangsters are also involved in extortion activities but normally focus on construction sites.

The most active Malay group has been identified as Geng 3 Calit with the head of an area being referred to as "ayahanda" or "father".

The surge in violent crimes over the past five months has been blamed on the release of former Emergency Ordinance detainees into society.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has been pushing for the reintroduction of preventive laws to tackle the spate of violent crimes.

He recently announced the formation of a special police task force comprising 400 policemen, who will focus on organised crimes and secret societies.