More young people detained for involvement in secret society activities

Police say safeguards in place to ensure law allowing detention without trial is used judiciously

- Samuel Devaraj

There has been a spike in the number of young people locked up in Changi Prison for their involvement in secret society activities, under a law that allows detention without trial.

Singapore Prison Service (SPS) figures show that 65 individuals aged 29 or younger were in detention under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA) as at Dec 31, 2024.

They included eight teenagers.

There were 46 detainees aged 29 or younger in 2023, and 45 in 2022.

In all three years, the large majority of inmates were detained for their involvement in secret society activities.

CLTPA is used for serious crimes when prosecution is not viable, such as when witnesses are unwilling to testify in court for fear of reprisal.

A police spokeswoman told The Straits Times that under the Act, the Minister for Home Affairs may detain, or place under police supervision, persons associated with activities of a criminal nature, including involvement in a secret society.

The Act also covers offences such as unlicensed moneylending, drug trafficking, kidnapping and organised crime.

Those issued a detention order by the Minister for Home Affairs can be detained for up to 12 months.

Police said the minister must be satisfied that detaining a person under the Act is necessary in the interest of public safety, peace and good order.

They added that powers under the Act are exercised carefully and sparingly.

"Our approach to tackling (secret society activities) includes enforcement under the Penal Code, and outreach to at-risk youths, with CLTPA being invoked only as a last resort," said the police spokeswoman.

"The CLTPA is a critical piece of legislation for the police to deal with egregious criminal activities which threaten the sense of safety and security in Singapore, but which our typical criminal framework is unable to address effectively, in particular, the activities of gangs and secret societies."