KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 — Police have launched a special programme under Ops Cantas to curb gangsterism in schools and prevent secret societies from recruiting students.

Under the programme, police will make their presence felt at schools in areas which are known to be notorious.

The programme was launched on Monday in the Klang Valley and will gradually be expanded nationwide, Federal Police Secret Societies, gaming and anti-vice (D7) principal assistant director Datuk Abdul Jalil Hassan said.

SMK Sri Rampai Wangsa Maju was the first school to receive police attention.

Measures taken include roadblocks and identity checks.

A distinct feature of the programme is the inclusion of policewomen in the 28-member team.

“We have included policewomen to encourage housewives to cooperate and also to help them feel secure in going about their daily activities,” said Abdul Jalil.

“Mothers play a huge role in the effort to curb this problem. They can check on their children by going through their bags or motorcycles to see if there are any signs of involvement in secret societies. Moreover, they will more comfortable going to a female police officer.”

“There have been reports about members of Gang 36, 08, and 04 attempting to recruit students.

“These gangs target troubled students, regardless of gender. They wait outside the schools, offer these troubled students financial help and lavish them with material things while coaxing them into joining their gangs,” Abdul Jalil said.

Police officers checking a motorcyclist passing by SMK Sri Rampai. — Picture by The Malay Mail

The recruits would then be used to get more students to become members.

Abdul Jalil also said that in Ops Cantas roadblocks conducted since August 17, police had come across vehicles filled with gang members and upon screening, discovered that some of them were students.

“We try not to arrest these students to prevent them from having a juvenile record which would affect their future. Instead, we refer the case to the school and the parents in a joint effort to monitor the students’ movements and stop their involvement with the gangs.”

Among the signs parents should look at are tattoos, logos, and symbols related to illegal secret societies.

Abdul Jalil also said that students found to be linked with these triads would be sent for counselling.