16-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysian Police has significantly ramped up its investigation into the recent care home scandal, with Bukit Aman, the federal police headquarters, confirming that statements have been recorded from over 400 individuals. This development comes in the wake of raids on 20 care homes believed to be associated with Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB).
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain revealed that the extensive information-gathering process has involved a diverse range of individuals, including complainants, witnesses, victims, and suspects. “We have recorded statements from 483 people as part of our thorough investigation,” Razarudin stated, emphasising the critical nature of this step in building a comprehensive case.
The scale of the operation, codenamed Ops Global, became apparent last Wednesday when police rescued 402 children – an equal number of 201 boys and girls – aged between one and 17 years old. The children were removed from 20 care homes across Selangor and Negri Sembilan following allegations of abuse, exploitation, and sexual assault.
In a concerning development, Razarudin disclosed that health screenings conducted on 384 of the rescued children have revealed signs of abuse and neglect. “We will investigate these findings further,” he assured, indicating the gravity with which the police are treating these allegations.
The investigation has also uncovered a disturbing pattern of long-term separation between the children and their parents. Many of the children were reportedly left at the care centres from as young as two years old, with their parents departing for countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey for extended periods, sometimes up to six years.
“We believe some of the children have not seen their parents for several years,” Razarudin stated, adding that the police are now actively seeking to locate and interview the parents. DNA samples have been collected from the rescued children to aid in parental identification.
The potential offence of child abandonment is now under scrutiny, with investigators aiming to determine whether parents willingly left their children with GISB or were compelled to do so. This aspect of the investigation could have significant legal implications for both the parents and the organisation.
As part of the operation, 171 suspects aged between 17 and 64 were arrested, including individuals in positions of responsibility such as teachers and dormitory caretakers. These arrests underscore the widespread nature of the alleged misconduct within the care home network.
