The blast in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, has put the spotlight once again on gangland violence. The authorities suspect the blast could be yet another violent incident of rival gangs battling over turf or crimes involving gangs.

Last year had seen a spike in gun violence which prompted a tough anti-crime crackdown, with the Home Ministry releasing a list of 49 gangs with more than 40,000 members involved in extortion, drug distribution and other criminal activities.

PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Here's a snapshot of the top 10 biggest gangs on the list, which is the most recent, publicly available official data.

1. Gang 04

Number of members: 5,440
Previously known as Hua Kee, the gang was active in drug dealing, murder, extortion and robbery.

2. Gang 08

Number of members: 4,423
Founded in the 1970s, the gang is active in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Perak, Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Malacca. Their activities include drug dealing, collecting protection money and robbery.

3. Double 7
Number of members: 1,053
Formed eight years ago, majority of the gang members are Malays with businesses in F&B and entertainment sector. The group is active in Peninsular Malaysia.

4. Tiga Line
Number of members: 729
The group members identify themselves with the colours green, yellow and red, inspired by the Rastafari movement in Jamaica. They are active in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah and Perak.

5. Geng 24
Number of members: 758
A Chinese gang which is active in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perak and Johor.

6. Gang 18
Number of members: 1,209
This gang is originated from traditional Chinese organised crime organisations. Active in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Perak and Johor, they are responsible for many of the drug dealings in the country.

7. Gang 36
Number of members: 8,512
It is active in Peninsular Malaysia and mostly made of Indian members with financial backing from Chinese real estate and other businessmen. The number "36" signifies Triads 6. It is an offshoot of the long existing Chinese triad Hung Meng Hooi.

8. Ang Soon Thong
Number of members: Unclear
It's a secret society based in Singapore and Malaysia. Active since the 1950s, the gang was mainly in Sembawang, Singapore.

9. Wah Kee
Number of members: Unclear
A secret society started in the 19th century, they are mainly based in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Perak, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, and Sarawak. They deal in heroin. The triad also has branches in Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Hong Kong, United States, Canada and New Zealand.

10. Sio Sam Ong
Number of members: Unclear
Literally means "Three Little Emperors", it is the leading Chinese triad in Malaysia, with a strong presence in Penang and other northern states. Its main activities included international drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, extortion, racketeering, and loan sharking, and police believed it was actively involved in politics. Many of its top members are still high on the police wanted list.

(Source: The Star/ANN)