KUCHING: The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) has been invoked against 21 men linked to secret societies, as Sarawak police intensify enforcement and intelligence operations to curb gangsterism in the state.
Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said the suspects, arrested on April 15, have since been remanded for 28 days from April 21 to facilitate investigations into their alleged involvement in violent crimes and organised syndicates.
Invoking SOSMA allows investigators to carry out more comprehensive probes, including mapping out the network and structure of the group involved.
“This is a clear reminder that any involvement in violent crimes and syndicate activities will not be taken lightly. Stern actions will be taken in accordance with existing laws,” he said at a press conference today (Apr 23).
Police are also expanding operations specifically to dismantle networks believed to have become increasingly active since 2024, with intelligence-led actions targeting their structure and reach.
Earlier, the suspects believed to be members of a secret society were arrested during ‘Ops Pusak Merah’, a series of coordinated operations conducted simultaneously across multiple locations in Sarawak.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Director, Datuk M. Kumar said the operations involved the D9 (Serious Crimes) Unit of Bukit Aman together with the Sarawak contingent.
Raids were carried out at several locations around Kuching, Kota Samarahan, Simunjan and Padawan, leading to the arrest of all 21 suspects, aged between 19 and 44.
Initial investigations found that some have prior records related to rioting, robbery, mischief, causing injury, and drug-related offences.
Police are continuing efforts to track down other individuals believed to be connected to the network.
