SHAH ALAM, Oct 8 — Police are in the final phase of setting up a Special Tactical Squad 3 which is expected to commence operations in December, said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. 

He said the special squad, established to curb gambling, vice and secret society activities, was also tasked to investigate money laundering under the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (AMLA).     

“Under the squad, we will imbue elements of financial investigations or AMLA as we need to investigate their financial positions in such activities. 

“It is different from other units such as D7 (Gambling, Vice and Secret Societies Division) as it is more specialised on combating gambling activities,” he told reporters here today when met after visiting I-City here to discuss measures to tighten security in the 29.1 hectare development centre.

Khalid said the squad would not only comprise officers and men from the criminal investigation department but it was also strengthened with personnel from various other security forces. 

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said in Parliament today, a special squad with the strength of 200 officers and personnel will start raiding and inspecting gambling centres throughout the country.  

Ahmad Zahid said the ministry had also provided a special note at the meeting of Mentris Besar and Chief Ministers on the need for cooperation between the local authorities and police to curb such activities. — Bernama