IPOH: There have been no further reports on gangs and secret societies targeting construction sites for protection money in Perak since 2017.

According to acting Perak police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Razarudin Husain, as of this year, the police had not received any reports from developers or businessmen of such activities.

He said there were extortions in 2017 but the police managed to curb them.

"We arrested 37 people under Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA).

"We have received no further reports so far, but will continue with our intelligence-gathering to prevent it from occurring," DCO Razarudin told reporters after attending the state police contingent's monthly gathering at its headquarters here on Thursday (feb 14).

"When we received information, we will take action under Sosma or Prevention of Crime Act (Poca)," he said, adding that most of the arrests were made in Ipoh.

It was reported earlier this month that gangs and secret societies had been targeting housing construction sites for “protection money”.

Among the hotspots were Perak, Penang and Johor.

DCP Razarudin said gang-related activities in the state were currently under control.

He said early information on these activities was vital for the police to take pre-emptive action.

"There are minor fights but not gang-related.

"Some of these are due to drunken brawls, fighting over girlfriends or debts," he said.