Child Protection Commissioner condemns allegations of horrific abuse in GISB homes |

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 — Farah Nini Dusuki, Children’s Commissioner of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), has condemned the horrific allegations of child abuse and sexual exploitation in care homes linked to Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding (GISB).

Following a police raid on several GISB facilities, where 402 children were rescued, Dusuki criticized the perpetrators, calling their actions horrific and a betrayal of trust. She demanded a thorough and swift investigation into GISB.

“I am deeply shocked by the underreported cases of child abuse that are in reality a result of GISB’s large-scale activities across Malaysia and globally,” Farah said in a statement.

“The crime and exploitation of children that is being committed behind the facade of religion is grotesquely shocking to say the least,” she added, expressing her sorrow that these care homes have been operating undetected for years.

Farah urged the Welfare Department to ensure not only that all daycare centres are properly registered, but also that they are rigorously and responsibly monitored.

Police announced yesterday that 41 reports were filed against GISB between 2011 and September 7, 2024.

Farah stressed the need to closely monitor the outcome of the investigation and the actions taken by police against GISB in recent years.

She also stressed that in this case there is an urgent need for a child-friendly approach to the investigation, taking into account the needs of the victims when obtaining evidence.

She stressed the importance of helping child victims recover from trauma and rebuild their lives by providing them with counselling and psychological support. She argued that a family-based care system should be prioritised for the care of all child victims, rather than placing them in overcrowded children’s homes, which could further exacerbate their trauma.

In addition, it is important that all child victims receive ongoing support so that the impact of the abuse can be accurately assessed and appropriate rehabilitation plans can be developed for the victims.

Farah called on the National Security Council to set up a special committee to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent the recurrence of such crimes in all institutions dealing with children, especially daycare centers.

A senior lecturer at the Universiti Malaya Faculty of Law, she also pushed for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. The findings would lead to crucial reforms in failing institutions and systems, paving the way for a stronger child protection framework.

She stressed that in future, regular raids should be carried out on all children’s homes and daycare centres to ensure that the standards of the Ministry of Social Affairs are strictly adhered to.