Penang to investigate Tasek Gelugor slaughterhouse linked to GISBH over halal certification, unpaid wages

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 22 — The Penang government is working with federal government agencies to investigate allegations that a poultry slaughterhouse in Tasek Gelugor, which is touted as halal, has not obtained legitimate certification.

Penang Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid told the news portal Free Malaysia Today that Ikhwan Poultry Sdn Bhd will also be investigated for failing to pay its workers following complaints.

According to the news portal, Mohamad acknowledged that the slaughterhouse has links to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), which is at the center of a multi-agency investigation into a range of criminal activities including child sexual exploitation, human trafficking and Islamic deviation.

Mohamad was quoted as saying that the state government together with relevant agencies will conduct a thorough inspection of the facility, which was still operational yesterday.

He added that the Penang government oversees the nursing homes and businesses affiliated with GISBH in the state.

GISBH, which operates numerous supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and restaurants at home and abroad, has come under the spotlight after police uncovered incidents of sexual abuse of minors at charities run by its partners following raids in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan that rescued more than 400 children.

The company, which profiles itself as Islamic, has distanced itself from the abuse allegations, although CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Ali has admitted that there have been “one or two” sodomy incidents within GISBH.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said yesterday that some 200 people have been arrested so far, including top executives of GISBH. More raids will be conducted across the country.

A number of Islamic State authorities have condemned the company for defiling their faith. Perlis was the first to issue a fatwa, while Kelantan, Johor and Selangor are investigating the allegations.

GISBH has been linked to the Islamic sect Al Arqam, which was banned in the 1980s.