He believed the arrest of the gang leaders concerned would curb gangsterism problems.

He was speaking at a media conference when asked about problems of gangsterism in schools.

Noor Rashid said action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012 had been taken against 40 members of two secret societies known as Gang 24 and Gang 36.

Following that, he said there was a drop in the number of cases involving gangsterism until recently when they resorted to a new tactic involving school children.

“This is because they (secret societies) know that the action against students (involved), which is under the Penal Code, will not be severe, unlike under Sosma where the suspects will not be allowed bail until disposal of the case.”

Earlier, Rashid witnessed the handing over of duties by outgoing Perak police chief Abd Rahim Hanafi to the new state police chief Hasnan Hassan.

Rahim has been transferred to Bukit Aman. Hasnan was previously the Perak deputy police chief.