Two rival secret societies, linked to some incidents where their 'enforcers' severed the hands of those who refused to pay protection money, are on an active recruitment drive in Penang.

Police investigations have revealed that the 'Three Little Emperors' and 'Gang 24' are targeting Malays, Indians and immigrants to strengthen and widen their respective networks.

Apart from this, the police have information that the secret societies are embroiled in a 'turf war' in the state, with 'Gang 24' attempting to break the monopoly of the other gang's hold on its 'territories'.

Penang police chief Ayub Yaakob said the police had set up a special team to rout the two gangs which were linked to a series of crimes in the state, including armed robberies, gang fights, gambling and operating illegal entertainment outlets.

He said the gangs battled each other last June 2 near an entertainment outlet in Gurney Drive where 30 people were involved.

The police detained five 'Gang 24' members and were in the midst of tracking down eight others, he added.

At a press conference today, Ayub distributed photographs of the eight to facilitate investigations into a series of crimes.

He said the two gangs were formed in the 1980s, following which they caused panic among the public.

"The gangs distributed pamphlets to traders, demanding for protection money. However, those who defied their demands incurred the wrath of the gangs which were known to resort to severing the hands of victims as a warning," added the police chief.

On yesterday's RM85,000 robbery involving a businesswoman, Ayub said the police did not rule out the involvement of one of the gangs.

Following the 10.30am incident at Jalan Gudwara, the police recovered RM50,000 and arrested one of the three robbers linked to the hold-up.

- Bernama