KUALA LUMPUR 25 Mac 2015: In just a little more than three months since the unit is established, the Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (5TAGG) has already made 105 raids. 

STAGG which targets the big sharks, is on full-throttle mode to ensure that they nab the masterminds involved in such illegal activities. 

Unit head Deputy Commissioner Datuk Rodwan Mohd Yusof says their numbers clearly speak about their commitment in fighting crime. 

"We began operating at the beginning of the year and by March 15, we have made 41 raids on vice dens and another 64 on gambling outlets in Penang. Selangor. Kuala Lumpur. Perak and Malacca. So far, 29 cases have been opened under the Anti-Money Laundering Act 2001.

"Our operations will continue nationwide but a concerted effort is needed through the cooperation of ocal councils and relevant authorities." 

Rodwan says sometimes, the police face dilemmas in enforcement as a result of the lack of cooperation. 

He also explains that all three illegal activitiesare related to social problems prevalent among communities, which require politicians and community leaders to stand up against them. 

"We have liaison officers who conduct talks on gangterism at schools and advising the youth not to get involved in any gangs. Right now. we have gazetted 72 gangs under Section 5(1) of the Societies Act. 

He said the police were always on the lookout, monitoring and nabbing those involved, but their operations require thorough investigations and information, especially from the public. 

"We can never totally weed out these activities, but we can prevent it from taking place, and certainly reduce the numbers via proactive measures. 

"From time to time, we wil continue our operations and in the long run, we are looking at merging with the anti-vice, gambling and secret societies (D7) division as there are overlaps in jurisdiction,"he said. 

Sumber: New Straits Times