Home Secretary: 70 children reunited with families, others remain in care as part of ongoing GISBH investigation

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 — The children linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) were separated from their parents to enable a comprehensive investigation into the matter, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said.

He said investigations are conducted according to legal procedures, focusing on the exploitation of women and children.

“When police conduct rescue operations, they are guided by 11 laws, and the scope of investigation continues to expand,” he said.

“Our primary focus is on the exploitation of women and children, including possible sexual abuse of minors under the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017,” he said today while speaking to media editors-in-chief.

He was responding to reports that six lawyers plan to present evidence in court to support claims that the separation of children from their parents linked to GISBH is illegal.

Saifuddin Nasution stressed that the police are conducting the investigation into GISBH with utmost transparency and caution, considering the public interest involved.

“So far we have returned 70 children to their families. However, some children have not yet been returned because the investigation is still ongoing.

“If there are any parents who wish to meet their children while the investigation is still ongoing, police will process those requests accordingly,” he said.

Yesterday, 16 individuals, including top management of GISBH, were re-arrested under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) in connection with allegations of child exploitation and indoctrination of religious fanaticism.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain reported that a total of 58 individuals have been detained under the law since Op Global was launched in September.

During the operation, police arrested 415 people and rescued 625 victims, aged between two months and 28 years. – Bernama

*If you suspect child abuse, you can call the following hotlines for free and confidential support: Talian Kasih on 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR) (12 noon to midnight daily); and One Crisis Center (24/7) Wilayah Persekutuan at 03-26155555 (Kuala Lumpur General Hospital), 03-61454333 (Sungai Buloh Hospital) or 03-83124200 (Putrajaya Hospital).