Singapore – “If you see a group of Malays, walk the other way,” read a post circulating online about an alleged ongoing gang war in Singapore.
Police says the rumours of gang fights are fake and a gang member also posted messages denying the post that are warning of an impending gang war.
The posts are related to two prominent gangs in Singapore, Omega and Salakau, which are allegedly engaged in a gang war.
A series of messages warn residents within the north side of Singapore to steer clear of gangster-looking members as both sides are fighting, recruiting, and even raping women.
“Turf war between two rival gangs, Omega aka (Jam or watch in Malay) and the outlaw Salakau gang,” says one post.
“Area to be aware: Marsiling, Woodland, Admiralty, Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bugis, Chinatown, Clementi, West Coast, Marina Parade, Airport Road, Changi Village, Bukit Merah, Tanjong Katong, Bishan, Geylang, and Teck Whye,” notes the post.
Quite a lot of areas to be wary of.
Another message says the Omega gang is making a comeback so “if you go home late and saw a bunch of Malay boys…you might be dead.”
Another post also gave a warning, but in a more segregated way.
“For my Malay friends: watch out, especially at night…This thing is happening 24/7, they’re recruiting members,” read the caption.
“For my friends of other races: watch your mouth and movements. Don’t anyhow flash sign or chat sh*t.”
The post added that Omega “has taken over Tampines and Yishun and are now hotspots.”
“It’s only a matter of time until they hit Woodlands, Sembawang, and Marsiling.”
The concerned citizen also urged women not to go out alone at night because “they’re raping girls too.”
On August 23 (Friday), Twitter user @nurynstles shared a message of an alleged gang member denouncing the superfluous news circulating in Whatsapp.
“To confirm once and for all The Turf wars and such are over-exaggerated at best,” says the gang member. “They are not randomly targeting individuals. If they do, it’s against a gangster’s code of honour in Singapore.”
The message includes rape but the fact is rape is not permitted in gangs. “Do not believe all that you read out there,” says the member.
“If such things are really going on, then the police are well-equipped to handle such misdemeanor,” the member says.
In fact, the Singapore Police Force released a statement on their Facebook page on August 24 (Saturday) about the issue.
“The Police would like to assure members of the public that the information being spread through these text messages and videos are false.”
“The Police have verified that none of the alleged incidents had occurred.”
The SPF then urged members of the public not to spread false information which could cause unnecessary public alarm.
https://www.facebook.com/singaporepoliceforce/posts/10158806369074408
An ongoing thread “Regarding the ‘Gang’ Issue that’s currently happening” in Reddit Singapore gives a more in-depth explanation on the issue.