23-9-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A shocking child abuse scandal has sent shockwaves through Malaysia as police investigations reveal the extensive reach of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB), a conglomerate linked to the case. Inspector General of Police Razarudin Husain disclosed on Monday that the organisation boasts approximately 10,000 followers nationwide, including children, raising alarm bells about the scale of potential abuse.
The investigation has unearthed disturbing connections to the Al-Arqam sect, declared deviant by Malaysian authorities in 1994. Despite the sect’s leader Ashaari Mohammad passing away in 2010, police chief Razarudin stated that initial findings suggest GISB followers continue to adhere to its teachings, based on seized materials such as books and leaflets.
“We need to verify this number from our investigations,” Razarudin cautioned during a press conference, emphasising the ongoing nature of the probe. The police have taken swift action, freezing assets worth nearly RM5 million (£850,000) in cash, vehicles, and bank accounts, alongside over a dozen parcels of land.
The operation has seen 32 GISB leaders taken into custody, including CEO Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, who was arrested on 19 September along with his two wives and children. While Nasiruddin has denied allegations of widespread abuse at care homes and other misconduct, he did acknowledge “one or two” cases of sodomy.
In a concerning development, several premises were found empty during recent raids, with group members believed to have fled. Razarudin appealed to these individuals to come forward, assuring that “the Malaysian government can provide appropriate assistance in various forms including welfare and psychological support.”
The latest police operation over the weekend resulted in the detention of 156 individuals, with one detainee reportedly having four wives and 34 children, most of whose whereabouts he claims to be unaware. In a heartening turn, 187 victims under the age of 18 were rescued, including 59 children below five years old.
The scale of the operation is staggering, with 11 safe houses now sheltering 572 rescued children, some of whom were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse. To date, approximately 355 people have been detained in connection with the GISB probe.
Razarudin vehemently denied accusations of inaction by authorities, stating, “We did not leave it like that. And Jakim (Malaysia’s Islamic affairs authority) also didn’t just leave it. We tried to get as much information as we could before taking action.”
However, the Sultan of Selangor expressed disappointment over what he perceived as a lack of effective action against GISB. The royal statement highlighted “weaknesses in monitoring and enforcing laws by religious organisations against charity homes and religious schools linked to GISB.”
The Malaysian king, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the criminal and abuse allegations, emphasising that matters concerning the Islamic faith should not be taken lightly.
As the investigation continues, the true extent of GISB’s operations is coming to light. The conglomerate, established in 2010, owns various businesses including bakeries and minimarts, with global assets reportedly totalling around RM325 million.
This unfolding scandal has not only exposed alleged widespread child abuse but also raised serious questions about regulatory oversight and the infiltration of extremist ideologies into seemingly legitimate business operations.
