Cops deny targeting specific races in 'Ops Cantas Khas' operation

KUALA LUMPUR: Police refuted claims that they are targeting a specific race in the Ops Cantas Khas operation, saying the operation was also launched in Sabah to target groups committing cross-border crime.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police had never chosen sides when it comes to detaining gang members, who are from underworld groups such as Gang 36, Gang 24, Gang 18 and Gang 04, which have been banned by the Home Ministry.
"We will act against those who are involved in threatening the safety of the people. We have no time to choose sides. A threat is a threat," he said when asked on claims that police are only apprehending a particular race in their crackdown.
Khalid was speaking to reporters after attending the Federal police monthly assembly at Bukit Aman police headquarters here today.
Ops Cantas Khas has so far netted 70 suspects from raids nationwide including Sabah.
"We want to make sure our youths are on the right path. We don't welcome gangsterism in our country. We will go after those who recruit school students to join secret societies," he added.
Meanwhile, Khalid said police have questioned 11 individuals over the fracas between the youth wings of Umno and PPBM that took place near Putra World Trade Centre, which is the Umno headquarters, on Tuesday.
Khalid also described the incident as shameful.
"We are adults, not children anymore. We need to show some level of maturity," he added.
On a separate matter, Khalid hoped police's e-reporting facility for non-crime-related cases can be expanded nationwide soon.
The facility, which allows the public to lodge reports online and print them out from the comfort of their own homes, was first initiated at the Taman Tun Dr Ismail station in March and is currently available in the Klang Valley.
Khalid said the system, however, still cannot cater for the reporting of crime-related cases, as there are legal implications involved that make it necessary for in-person reporting.
Those with cases to report can go to ereporting.rmp.gov.my to register.
The system is open only to Malaysians aged 18 and above.