SINGAPORE - The Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act (CLTPA), which allows the Home Affairs minister to detain someone linked to syndicates and secret societies, without trial, was extended for another five years.

The Bill to extend the Act was passed in Parliament on April 3, and is the 15th time the CLTPA was extended.

It was last extended by Parliament on Oct 21, 2019.

Widely known as Section 55, it was enacted in 1955 to deal with Singapore’s gang problem.

It now covers secret societies, unlicensed moneylending, drug trafficking, kidnapping and organised crime.

It has been used in cases when prosecution was not viable, as witnesses refused to testify for fear of reprisal.

Speaking in Parliament on April 3, Minister of State for Home Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said: “(CLTPA) is a critical piece of legislation for us to deal with egregious criminal activities which threaten the sense of safety and security in Singapore, in particular the activities of gangs and secret societies.”

He said gangs and organised crime groups, involved in criminal conduct including money laundering and human trafficking, continue to be a big threat to societies globally.

He said because of the way gangs operate, wi...