King orders police to thoroughly investigate alleged child abuse and crimes in charities linked to Global Ikhwan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has expressed grave concerns and ordered the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to immediately conduct a comprehensive investigation into criminal and child abuse issues at charities affiliated with Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding (GISBH).

“I want a thorough investigation to be carried out and immediate action to be taken,” the king’s press office quoted the king as saying in a Facebook post today.

Sultan Ibrahim said he was deeply concerned about the news reports about these charities and stressed that matters relating to the Islamic faith should always be protected and not taken lightly.

He also advised all parties to avoid making extreme statements or having opinions on religious issues as these are sensitive and to handle them with caution.

On September 11, police raided nursing homes in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, alleging that 402 children had been exploited. The homes were said to be suffering from neglect, sexual abuse and intimidation.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said all 171 suspects arrested in the raids have been remanded in custody for seven days.

Razarudin said the rescued children, aged between one and 17, are believed to be descendants of GISBH members. Documentation and health checks are being conducted.

Today he is confirmed Physical and emotional abuse was committed against some of the 392 children rescued from 20 nursing homes.

According to him, during the ongoing screening process, other crimes such as child abuse, child labor and negligence have been detected. Malnutrition has also been detected among the children.

“The screening carried out showed that there were physical crimes, such as beating, whipping, heavy pressure (ditekan) and burning (with a hot object).

Razarudin also unveiled today that a total of 96 bank accounts linked to GISBH, worth a total of RM581,552.31, have been frozen by the authorities.

Authorities also ordered the seizure of eight vehicles.

He said the measures were in line with ongoing investigations into allegations of child exploitation at charities believed to be owned by the company.

He added that the police investigation is aimed at summoning GISBH chairman and managing director Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali.

However, Razarudin has not disclosed any timetable for this.