Stricter controls needed on nursing homes, says Muda

Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings is being investigated after police raided 20 nursing homes, where police rescued 402 victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and abandonment. (Photo: PDRM)

PETALING JAYA: Healthcare facilities such as those run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) must be accountable to the government and the law, says Muda, citing ongoing police investigations into such centres.

The party called for all care homes to be registered with social services and regularly assessed to ensure safety and compliance with national standards.

Muda pointed out that according to the police, 41 reports have been filed against GISBH since 2011 because of its nursing homes and other business activities.

“Despite numerous reports, there has been no effective intervention. This shows a glaring gap in the enforcement and oversight mechanisms of child protection.

“All care homes, not just (those under) GISBH, must also be regularly monitored and held accountable under the Child Act 2001.

“It is time to take real action. The lives and futures of these children depend on a system that works, not one that fails them time and time again,” Muda said in a statement.

GISBH is being investigated following police operations at 20 care homes, where police rescued 402 children who had allegedly been physically abused, sexually abused and abandoned.

On September 11, police inspector Razarudin Husain said some of the 402 persons had been sodomised and taught to attack others.

Police also arrested 171 people, including an ustaz and a hostel guard.

However, GISBH has denied that it runs the care homes raided by authorities, and has alleged that children in its care were sodomised and forced to abuse others.

Meanwhile, GAP Malaysia chairperson Bibi Sharliza Khalid also called for greater involvement from the Ministry of Islamic Development (Jakim).

“Jakim must play an active role in this investigation, by maintaining strict supervision of the premises and ensuring that there is no abuse or manipulation, especially in institutions concerned with the education and welfare of children.

“Each property involved must undergo a thorough and rigorous inspection to ensure there is no abuse, exploitation or religious manipulation,” she said in a separate statement today.