Malaysia's gang menace-video

Malaysia’s violent ganglands are luring many ethnic indians struggling to fit into a segregated society.

Malaysia has a number-coded underworld with names such as "04", "08", and "Double 7".

In 2013, police identified 49 illegal gangs nationwide, with nearly 40,000 known members. More than 70 per cent of felons are ethnic Indians, who make up just 7 per cent of Malaysia’s population. Though small in number, they have been linked to a wide array of crimes - such as armed robberies, drug and prostitution rings, loan-sharking, gambling and extortion rackets, and even contract killings.

101 East spoke exclusively with a senior gang member, who reveals how these criminal organizations provide protection and work opportunities for many Malay indians who live in poverty. The gangs prey on vulnerable youngsters with the lure of fast money and bonds of brotherhood.