KL state to hire ex-thugs and bullies

KL state to hire ex-thugs and bullies

MALAYSIA: A Malaysian state will hire former thugs and bullies to get residents to pay their taxes and deal with illegal squatters, a news report said on Friday.

Shahidan Kassim, chief minister of northern Perlis state, said the government will interview 20 former gangsters and bullies to join an enforcement unit, The Star daily reported. Nobody still facing prosecution would be hired, Shahidan said.

Perlis officials were not immediately available for comment on the report.

The recruits are to be trained to help the state deal with squatters who build homes illegally on government land and people who refuse to pay their taxes.

"With a more physical presence in the enforcement unit, (the unit) may be able to get more rate payers to settle their dues promptly," Shahidan told The Star.

The Perlis chief minister is well known for his unorthodox policies. -- AP