GANG FIGHTS (Particulars)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many gang fights involving secret society elements have occurred since the beginning of this year; how many deaths have resulted and how this figure compares with the figures of the last three years; and what measures are being taken to control such incidents.

The Minister for Home Affairs (Mr Chua Sian Chin): Mr Speaker, Sir, I must first make a distinction between gang fights involving secret society elements and other secret society incidents. A gang fight, as understood by the Police, is a clash between two rival groups of secret society members. A secret society incident is one in which one group of secret society members attack and assault persons who may or may not be secret society elements. The persons attacked would invariably be outnumbered and they would try to flee.

During the period 1st January to 19th November this year, there were one gang fight and 11 secret society incidents. These 11 secret society incidents resulted in six deaths. The comparative figures for the last three years are as follows:- No. No. No. of killed No. of killed secret in secret gang in gang society society Year fights fights incidents incidents 1977 3 - 10 4 1978 6 2 4 4 1979 6 - 5 3

The figures show that there is a decrease in the number of gang fights this year but the number of one-sided attacks by secret society elements has increased when compared to the last three years. This explains the higher number of deaths that have resulted from secret society violence. There is, however, no increase in the frequency of secret society violence.

The Police will continue to maintain surveillance on secret society suspects and those who are on record as having been secret society members or associates. They will gather intelligence in areas where secret society activities are reported to be taking place. Whenever it is necessary, an operation or other action will be taken to arrest and prosecute the culprits. Where prosecution is not possible because witnesses are not prepared to give evidence in court, the secret society elements are detained or placed under Police supervision in accordance with the provisions in the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act.

With a view to finding a long-term solution to the secret society menace, I have appointed a team comprising psychologists and sociologists to conduct an in-depth study of the problem. It is headed by the Senior Psychologist of Woodbridge Hospital. The aim of the study is to determine why secret societies should still exist in Singapore despite the tremendous economic, social and educational development that has been achieved over the last 20 years or so. The team is expected to present its report in March next year.

Mr Ng Kah Ting (Punggol): Mr Speaker, Sir, could the Hon. Minister enlighten this House the age group of those persons involved in these secret society incidents or fights?

Mr Chua Sian Chin: Mr Speaker, Sir, the majority of the secret society elements are between the age of 18 and 25 years.