Children separated from parents at age two in GISBH charity home scandal

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Police have revealed that children staying at charities affiliated with Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding (GISBH) were separated from their parents at the age of two and placed in the charities.

This early separation is part of a broader investigation into allegations of abuse and exploitation within these institutions.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told a press conference that intelligence findings indicated that these children spent their formative years entirely in charities affiliated with GISBH.

If you use the old GISB: Kanak can berusia 2 or more diasingkan daripada keluarganya and ditempatkan di rumah amal. If you are a negro in 2 days, it can be short and sweet in Malaysia.

Selain itu, kanak-kanak short but sepatutnya bersekolah,… photo.twitter.com/CsjrMXw7TH

— Media Selangor (@Media_Selangor) September 13, 2024

Parents’ divorce: unclear circumstances

Further information revealed that some parents stayed in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey for extended periods of time, while their children remained in Malaysia.

The circumstances surrounding the parents’ absence, whether voluntary or forced, are still unclear.

This situation may contravene section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which relates to neglect, abuse and exposure.

Razarudin urged those who have experienced similar exploitation or are former GISBH members to come forward and assist with the investigation.

The police chief did not give specific reasons for the parents’ stay abroad, whether for career reasons or otherwise.

The children rescued from these charities are reportedly third- and fourth-generation members of the organization.

Operation Global: Massive rescue operation

Shocking reports emerged that children were taught and subjected to sexual abuse, including sodomy, by caregivers and forced to abuse other children.

During “Op Global”, which was conducted between 6am and 11am last Wednesday (September 11), authorities rescued 402 children and teenagers aged one to 17 from 20 charities run by the religiously motivated business group in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.

Razarudin also reported that 392 of the rescued children underwent health checks at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre (PULAPOL), which works in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) and the Ministry of Health (KKM).

Among them are 202 boys, 190 girls and 10 people with disabilities who are now under the care of JKM.

READ MORE: Controversy erupts as Malaysian police raid homes linked to GISBH amid allegations of child abuse

Protection and care: relocation of rescued victims

Police are transferring the victims to protection centres in Bukit Beruntung, Cheras and Seremban.

Initially there were 402 victims, but after screening, police identified children with autism, disabilities and illnesses.

These children are now in the care of JKM, while the ages of eight victims are still unknown, pending further investigation by KKM and interviews with charity carers.

Since September 2, authorities have received 13 reports and opened seven investigation papers under section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and section 14 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

Education Compliance: Registration and Regulatory Audits

Investigations are also conducted under the Anti-Trafficking and Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Criminal Code. Referrals are made to relevant ministries and agencies to identify violations of related laws.

The authorities will also check whether educational institutions under GISBH are registered with the Ministry of Education.

The state’s religious authorities determine the status of permits, licenses, or operating approvals for religious-based education.

The case has shocked and outraged the public as the institutions in question were intended to be religious and safe havens for children.

This prompted people to delve further into GISBH, which raised more questions than answers.

GISB is too shady. This company owns Nur Malaysia restaurant in London, Paris, Dubai and Ikhwan Cafe in Sydney. I couldn’t find the info on the CEO. He’s British and untraceable on LinkedIn? photo.twitter.com/j72oNnVDCI

— 🌺 عائشة (@dchazira) September 12, 2024