I laud the IGP, Musa Hassan, for his move to 'turun padang' in the investigation of the widespread gangsterism, secret societies and organised crime in Sibu.

For years, the people of Sibu have been living in fear. Gang members openly commit fire- bombing using flares while robbery, kidnapings and murder occur in broad daylight. They control the smuggling of cigarettes, alcohol, beer and fire crackers. Contraband is illegally imported at their private wharfs.

Recently, this network has expanded to controlling the price and supply of daily food items like fish, eggs, rice and to even rubber and timber. For example, the price of eggs has skyrocketed to RM9.20 from RM7.20.

It took the MP of Bintulu to raise the alarm. What happened to the Sibu-based Foochow Supp power house? So far, they have remained quiet and some have even disputed the seriousness of the gang problem. The truth is that many of the schools, temples, churches and social projects in Sibu are indirectly funded by gangster money.

So it was no surprise that when a gang leader was arrested recently, two 'Datuks' came forward immediately to ask for bail. These Datuks are labeled as businessmen in the local press. What they have failed to mention is that they are also important Supp figures.

Is the Sibu Supp branch tainted with gangsterism? It is well known that the kingpin nicknamed 'Lee Long' has direct link to corrupt policemen and the blessing of certain politicians. After all, It is impossible to operate such a vast organisation without the support of the police and knowledge of the local politicians.

Sibu is a small town of 200,000. You can tour the town in less than 30 minutes. The local politicians by now would have received an earful of complaints on the security situation. Unless, of course, if they have chosen to ignore them.

Numerous reports have been make against the gangs but all were ignored. Instead, the complainants faced retribution. Others escalated their report to Kuching and Bukit Aman. A team of policemen arrived but no action was taken.

To learn about gangsterism in Sibu, one does not need to go far. Sibu has the largest number of coffee shops vis-a-vis its population in Malaysia. Perhaps CID chief, Christopher Wan Soo Kee - in mufti - could pay a visit the Aloha Corner Kopitiam. He will soon learn the truth. His blind defence for Sarawak police chief DCP Talib Jamal is so unlike a man of his caliber.

Talib is the man who has failed his job miserably. If the IGP is serious about finding out 'who is harbouring the gangsters?' then Talib should be investigated. As the MP of Bintulu demanded, we like him to be removed immediately. His remark that gangsterism is part of the Chinese culture which was brought in during the migration period is totally ridiculous.

We fully support the MP of Bintulu Tiong King Sing for his courage and also the men in uniform like Nicolas Sebastian and Dennis Leong. Unfortunately, they have been undermined by others. If the IGP is serious about seeking out the people's cooperation and help, action and justice must first be done to win the confidence and heart of the people.

Supp, meanwhile, should have a re-look at their 'zero' crime initiatives before the next general election. The criminal elements in their membership should be eliminated. Failing which, we have no choice but to send more 'Rockets' to Parliament not unlike what was done at the recent state elections.