23 organisations declared as secret societies

Twenty-three organisations in the country have been declared as secret societies which violated Section 5(1) of the Societies Act 1966, a Home Ministry statement said Monday.

The statement said the declaration was made by Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday under gazette P.U.(A) 34/2015.

The secret societies include the 3821 Gang, Ngo Sek Kee Gang, Gee Hor Sia Gang, Chong Woh Gang, Gee Long San Gang, Gee It Leng Gang, Gee Hon San Gang, Guat Sam Sia Gang, It Tiam Ang Gang, Lian Heng Siah Gang and Ang Mor Low Gang.

Also in the list are Sio Or Leng Gang, Loong Foo Thong Gang, 969 (Kow Lak Kow) Gang, 32 Sar Jee Gang, Chaun San Gang, Fong Hong San Gang, Jin Jee Tong Gang, Gee Lam Kok Gang, Hong Fah Gang, Knight Right Keepers @ Kappa Rho Kappa (KRK), Malin Kundang (Sandakan) and Special Force (Lahad Datu).

All the organisations were found to be carrying out activities detrimental to public order in the country, such as operating as syndicates for drug trafficking, prostitution, gambling and car thefts, the statement said.

These organisations are also involved in blackmail, fights among secret societies, rioting and smuggling.

Apart from that, there were also organisations identified as facilitating logistics and channeling information on the authorities to kidnapping groups from the southern Philippines such as the KRK group, the statement said.

In line with the declaration, the usage of names, symbols, signs or logos of the organisations involved have been banned under Section 7(3)(b) of the Societies Act 1966.

Apart from that, no persons can hold posts, carry out duties as members, allow meetings in a building, disseminate and act on behalf of the secret societies listed.

Parties found conducting any such activities of these secret societies would be investigated and charged in court for violating the Act.

"In the interest of public security and order, the people are urged to cooperate with the government to eradicate crime and secret societies which infringe the law," the statement further said.