Johor police last night detained 31 individuals in various raids under Operasi Cantas Khas to eradicate secret society activities in the state. 

The crackdown comes following the murder of a man at a petrol station in the city, last Sunday, believed over turf war between secret societies. 

According to a post in the Johor police's official Facebook page, the operation targeted entertainment centres and premises which serve as meeting place for secret society members. 

"Between midnight and 6am, 21 raids were made and 257 individuals were screened. Of that, 31 individuals were arrested for various offences.

"The police are determined to flush out any groups which attempt to create unrest and fear among the people," said the statement. 

In the 7.30pm incident last Sunday, the 44-year-old victim identified as "Ah Chiu" died on the spot after he was stabbed and run over twice by four men in a white BMW. 

The incident happened in full view of many, as the victim stopped to inflate his tyres at the petrol station in Taman Pelangi, Johor Bahru.  

To date, police have arrested 13 suspects - nine men and four women aged between 16 and 26, in connection with the case. 

Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has said that the victim was a secret society leader, and the attack was part of an ongoing dispute between two gangs.