SINGAPORE, Oct 5 — A Singaporean gang leader who spent more than a year evading arrest has been sentenced to nine years and 12 weeks in jail and 12 strokes of the cane after being caught while stuck in traffic, The Straits Times reported on Thursday.

Muhammad Idris Musbah, 37, was recognised by a car salesman who noticed he was driving a vehicle resembling one owned by a client. 

When police moved in, Idris tried to flee but crashed into a lorry and was found carrying weapons, including a baton, knife and knuckleduster.

The court heard that Idris, who led a secret society operating in a Teck Whye Lane housing estate, had been involved in gang-related violence, drug offences and petrol thefts. 

He pleaded guilty to nine charges, with another 24 considered in sentencing.

Idris joined the gang in 2000 at the age of 12, after being recruited by an older schoolmate. 

In January 2022, he led 11 armed gang members to a Jurong East housing block, instructing them to stay on standby for a potential clash with a rival gang. 

The group, armed with knives and daggers, later drew police attention after some members took photos displaying gang signs and weapons.

While out on bail for those offences, Idris was arrested again in March 2022 for suspected drug-related activities. 

He later absconded, failing to attend a pre-trial hearing that September.

His dramatic arrest in May this year — captured in viral videos — ended his 18-month run. 

Following his arrest, police linked him to a string of petrol thefts totalling more than S$1,100 (RM3,500) between March and May.

Sentencing him on October 2, District Judge Eddy Tham urged Idris to reform during his time in prison. 

“He cannot change his past,” the judge said, “but he definitely has the choice and the power to make a better future.”