Four individuals were apprehended on February 12 under suspicion of engaging in gangsterism in Pakan, allegedly stemming from dissatisfaction with the RM5 angpow distributed by Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng.
The arrests, carried out by the Criminal Investigation Department around 6pm on February 12, saw individuals ranging from 32 to 53 years old taken into custody, according to a statement from Julau police chief DSP Andam Sulin. The swift action followed a report filed by Sng on February 11.
Andam explained that the motive behind the incident appeared to be the discontentment with the meager RM5 angpow, with one of the suspects purportedly augmenting it by RM10 before returning it to Sng as a demonstration of their dissatisfaction. However, investigations are ongoing to delve deeper into the underlying causes.
The case falls under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries penalties of up to two years' imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction, as reiterated by Andam. He emphasized the zero-tolerance stance of the police towards any form of gangsterism, particularly within the Julau and Pakan regions.
Sng, in a Facebook post, lamented the rise of what he described as "untouchable" gangsters, transforming Julau from a tranquil rural town into a scene reminiscent of the "Wild West." He recounted encounters with troublemakers during visits to the local Chinese community for Lunar New Year celebrations, highlighting prevalent issues such as online gambling, drug trafficking, contraband trade, and illegal money lending plaguing the constituency.
The MP painted a grim picture of coercion tactics employed by gangsters, forcing local businesses to procure contraband goods and squeezing profit margins, often resorting to threats and acts of violence against dissenters. He further alleged instances of public drug transactions as a brazen display of impunity.
Moreover, Sng shed light on the plight of civil servants and indigenous leaders burdened by debts owed to gangsters, pushing them to sell land and borrow money at exorbitant interest rates, under the looming threat of violence for non-payment.
Calling for intervention from authorities at the national level, Sng urged Bukit Aman to take decisive action against the escalating gangsterism, signaling a plea for restoration of peace and order in the embattled region.
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