The Geng 24 Hung-Hung Case: Understanding SOSMA's Role in Organised Crime Prosecutions

Background

In May 2026, 23 individuals aged between 19 and 44 were charged in Kuching for allegedly being members of an organised criminal group known as "Geng 24 Hung-Hung". The charges followed a police operation known as Ops Pusak Merah, conducted by the Royal Malaysia Police between 19 and 23 April 2026.

According to the prosecution, the accused were allegedly involved in organised criminal activities between December 2021 and April 2026 at an oil palm plantation in Kampung Temaga Cina/Dayak, Sematan. They were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, which criminalises membership in an organised criminal group and carries a sentence of imprisonment of not less than five years and up to twenty years upon conviction.

The case attracted significant public attention not only because of the nature of the allegations but also because the proceedings fall within the scope of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 ("SOSMA").

Why Does SOSMA Apply?

While SOSMA is often associated with terrorism-related offences, its application extends to certain organised crime offences under Chapter VIA of the Penal Code.

As the accused were charged under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code, the case falls within the categories of offences governed by SOSMA. This means that several special procedural provisions apply, distinguishing the proceedings from ordinary criminal cases.

Among other things, the accused were initially detained under SOSMA, and the matter was subsequently transferred from the Sessions Court to the High Court pursuant to Section 177A(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Current Status

On 22 June 2026, all 23 accused appeared before the High Court in Kuching and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The High Court fixed 23 July 2026 for further case management and allowed the prosecution's application for all 23 cases to be tried jointly. The court that will ultimately conduct the joint trial is expected to be determined at the next mention date.

As the matter remains before the courts, no findings of guilt have been made and all accused persons are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Legal Implications

1. Transfer to the High Court

The transfer of the proceedings from the Sessions Court to the High Court under Section 177A(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code reflects the seriousness of the allegations. The High Court will ultimately be responsible for conducting the trial and determining the charges against the accused.

2. No Bail Under SOSMA

One of the most significant features of SOSMA is its impact on bail.

In this case, none of the accused were granted bail and they were ordered to remain in custody pending trial pursuant to Section 13(1) of SOSMA. Unlike ordinary criminal proceedings where bail applications are generally considered based on established legal principles, SOSMA imposes stricter limitations on the granting of bail.

The provision continues to be one of the most debated aspects of the legislation, particularly in balancing public security concerns with the rights of accused persons awaiting trial.

3. Joint Trial of Multiple Accused

The High Court also allowed the prosecution's application for a joint trial involving all 23 accused persons.

Joint trials are commonly used where multiple accused are alleged to have participated in the same criminal enterprise. Such an approach may promote consistency in the presentation of evidence, reduce duplication of witnesses, and improve the efficiency of court proceedings.

4. Enforcement Against Organised Crime

According to the Royal Malaysia Police, the alleged criminal group was dismantled through Ops Pusak Merah, a special operation led by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of Bukit Aman in collaboration with the Sarawak Contingent Police Headquarters.

The case demonstrates the authorities' continued reliance on both Chapter VIA of the Penal Code and SOSMA in combating allegations of organised criminal activity.

Conclusion

The Geng 24 Hung-Hung case illustrates the broad reach of SOSMA beyond terrorism-related offences and highlights its role in the prosecution of organised crime cases in Malaysia.

Apart from the substantive allegations, the case also demonstrates several key procedural features of SOSMA, including detention provisions, restrictions on bail, transfer of proceedings to the High Court, and the management of complex prosecutions involving multiple accused persons.

As the matter progresses through the courts, it is likely to remain a significant example of how Malaysia's legal framework addresses allegations involving organised criminal groups while balancing the interests of public security and the administration of justice.

Credits

• The Borneo Post (15 May 2026)

• Utusan Borneo (15 May 2026 & 22 June 2026)

• Suara Sarawak (22 June 2026)

• Sarawak Tribune (22 June 2026)

• Relevant court proceedings reported by local media outlets