Singapore to take tougher measures to deal with youth gangs

Singapore is expected to introduce tougher measures to tackle youth gangs, local media reported on Thursday. Gangs that try to recruit impressionable youngsters could face tougher penalties. Owners of popular youth hangouts such as computer gaming centers may have to take action to avoid the problem occurring on their doorstep, said the recommendations made by a work group reviewing the legislation. Youth attracted to gangs may require a different approach as they join largely for the company and to feel a sense of belonging, said Minister of State for Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, who is the head of the working group set up to look into ways of dealing with the problem following two high-profile attacks last year. Nineteen-year-old student Darren Ng Wei Jie was hacked to death with a chopper after members of a gang accused him of staring. Barely two weeks later, seven people were injured when a group of teenagers attacked them with knives and parangs. Local media said that the situation in Singapore is well under control and the two incidents were isolated. "Allowing youth gangs to flourish will turn members from occasional social misfits to those who are associated with organized crimes," Masagos said, adding that most of the recommendations may lead to measures in place by the second half of next year.