KLANG: THE ruckus caused by schoolboys, believed to be members of Gang 24, on Thursday is “nothing new”, said residents of Taman Sri Andalas.
Residents told the New Straits Times that underworld gangs, such as Gang 08, Gang 24 and Gang 36, were “deeply rooted” in the royal town.
A man, who lives near SMK Sri Andalas, where the incident took place, said schoolboys influenced by gangs had turned Jalan Tun Dr Ismail into a racing ground.
“They race here every day after school. They disrupt traffic, but motorists don’t dare to scold them as they are in a large group of up to 15 students.
“Not all are from SMK Sri Andalas. Some are from other schools who either befriend those from this school or just come to provoke things,” said the 47-year-old, who wanted to be known as Abdul Rauf.
He said most of the students lived in Taman Sentosa, a residential area he claimed was notorious for gangsterism.
“There is nothing that residents can do other than be patient. Klang is infested with these so-called triad members.”
A source from the school administration said students who proclaimed themselves members of triads competed with students from other schools, especially those from SMK Raja Mahadi and SMK Kampung Jawa, to show off their “power”.
“This is not the first time such a commotion has happened. In less than a year, at least three incidents have happened outside the school,” said the source.
In one incident, the source said, students from SMK Raja Mahadi tied a banner bearing “Gang 24” on the school gate.
“They claim that SMK Sri Andalas is now under their territory.”
The source said parents who had been notified about their children’s behaviour had scolded teachers, with the parents claiming that they knew their children better than anyone.
Another resident, who wanted to be known only as Kassim, 60, said these schoolboys only claimed to be gang members.
“The original gang leaders and members have either died, been imprisoned or have left the groups. However, the gangs’ names remain popular due to some fanatics who try to revive the groups.”
He said gangs like Gang 24 had sub-groups, such as Gang 24 Apache and Gang 24 Reggae.
“Hearing that their friends have been busted will not make them repent. Instead, they would feel proud that the gang’s name and school has been publicised.”
On Thursday, a video of schoolboys, believed to be members of Gang 24, creating a commotion outside SMK Sri Andalas went viral on social media. Police have arrested 13 people, including schoolboys.
Selangor Criminal Investigation Department chief Senior Assistant Commissioner Fadzil Ahmat said a task force had been set up to investigate triad activities among schoolchildren in Klang.
In Johor Baru, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said school administrations should not cover up cases of gangsterism even if they fear that it could tarnish the school’s reputation.
“If the schools do not lodge police reports fast, police cannot launch probes, and these gangsters know how to conceal their activities from police,” he said at a community policing event organised by the Rotary Club of Johor Straits View, Amerin Hotel Johor Baru and Johor Baru Utara police yesterday.