The government has clearly launched a crackdown similar to that of Operasi Lalang with the latest arrest of 156 voluntary patrol unit (PPS) members in Penang, Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim says.

Just like the 1987 Operasi Lalang under which 107 people were detained under Dr Mahathir Mohamad's rule, Anwar said, this crackdown is "protracted and meant to intimidate" the people.