I refer to the article entitled ‘The pros of thugs monopoly’ at page 9 of The Star today.
From the outset, I wish to point out that the State government in no way condones ‘gangsterism’, be it in the allowing of ‘gangster contractors’ to monopolise renovation work, or in any other form for that matter.
House-owners are not obliged to engage such so-called in-house contractors and are allowed to employ contractors of their own choice.
The State government views very seriously such cases of developers who allow gangster contractors to monopolise renovation works, as the safety and security of home-owners are jeopardised. If such cases come to light, we will consider taking punitive measures against such developers.
I also call upon the Penang Chief Police Officer Datuk Abdul Rahim Hanafi to leave no stone unturned and expeditiously investigate and bring to book those who flout the law by actions of gangsterism and thuggery.