Despite Numerous Arrests Recently, Secret Society Situation in S’pore is Still Under Control

If your knowledge of gangsters is limited to the three Godfather movies, you might think it’s a profession worth aspiring to.

But in reality, it’s a lot less glamorous and usually ends with a stint behind bars.

Here in Singapore, gangsterism has been on the decline, but a recent spate of arrests linked to secret societies has sparked some concerns.

However, it seems that residents have nothing to worry about.

Despite Numerous Arrests Recently, Secret Society Situation in S’pore is Still Under Control

The secret society situation in Singapore is under control, says Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam.

An average of 112 rioting and serious hurt cases have been linked to local secret societies each year for the past five years, he said.

However, cases involving the use of weapons such as parangs have declined over the same period.

Mr Shanmugam was responding to Mr Murali Pillai (Bukit Batok) and Mr Melvin Yong (Radin Mas) who asked about recent trends in gang-related activities.

These days, secret societies are chiefly loosely-organised gangs, and mainly comprise youths who jump from group to group, Mr Shangmugam said.

The number of youths who fell afoul of the law for secret society-related offences has remained stable in the last five years, but youth gangs remain a serious concern for the authorities.

151 Individuals Arrested For Being Suspected Secret Society Members

The question about gang-related activities was likely triggered by the arrests of 151 individuals for being suspected members of unlawful societies.

The authorities conducted a two-week enforcement operation to suppress gang activities between 21 Dec last year and 3 Jan 2021.

They first arrested 24 men on 24 Dec, 2020, 75 men about a week later, and another 52 later on.

The arrests came after a series of rioting attacks last December, some of which led to serious injuries.

Secret Society Members Can be Detained Without Trial

In case you’re unaware, suspected gang members can actually be detained without trial, meaning they could be in prison for an unknown period without being prosecuted first.

And, unbeknownst to many, you could go to jail for up to 3 years for simply being a member of an unlawful society, or face a $5,000 fine.

Last month, the police said they will continue to conduct enforcement operations to snuff out gang activities so the public is safe.

Mr Shanmugam added to this, saying the police invest significant resources into educating youths on the perils of secret societies, such as anti-gang talks in secondary schools.

If you wish to leave a gang or suspect that someone might be involved in a gang, you can call the Secret Societies Branch at 6435 0000.

Featured Image: Singapore Police Force