Nowhere to run: GISBH supporters stuck in Malaysia, stranded without money as top leaders jailed, says IGP

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 — Supporters of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) are said to still be in the country as it is difficult for them to flee to neighbouring countries such as Thailand due to their dependence on the organisation’s top brass, particularly in financial matters.

According to Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, GISBH supporters do not have the means to flee to the Malaysia-Thailand border, especially in Kelantan. Their money, allowances and finances are entirely dependent on GISBH leaders, who were recently arrested and whose accounts have been frozen, according to a Bernama report published today.

“The top brass of GISBH has been arrested so those below them (GISBH followers) have no way to escape (to the border). The followers are still here (in the country) and are hiding because they have no money, salaries and other means to escape,” he told Bernama.

Razarudin added that it is unlikely they will be able to flee to Thailand as the followers have nowhere to go in that country.

“Even if they flee to Thailand, where would they go? The five top leaders of GISBH have already been arrested by the police, so I don’t see them going there (Thailand).”

He also said that intelligence and police investigations have so far shown no signs of GISBH supporters fleeing to the border.

“At this point, there is no information that indicates that GISBH followers are fleeing to the border,” he said.

Razarudin confirmed that this is indeed happening, when it was alleged that laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISBH in several states have changed their signs following police actions.

“Yes, many GISBH properties have changed their signboards. We have identified them and are investigating the matter,” he said, adding that the police are investigating the matter from different angles.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) told Bernama that MAIK will continue to intensify raids on GISBH locations, including raids linked to Al-Arqam founder Ashaari Muhammad in the state.

“We are assisting the police and the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department (JHEIK) by searching for written materials related to Abuya Ustaz Ashaari,” the spokesperson said.

A Bernama survey this morning at GISBH-related establishments such as laundrettes, motels, pharmacies and restaurants in Kota Baru, Tumpat and Gua Musang found the establishments had closed and were no longer operating.

A hotel in Kota Baru associated with the group had also changed its GISBH signboard to another hotel name.

Furthermore, Bernama’s visit to a charity and school affiliated with GISBH in Gong Kulim, Pasir Puteh, which was searched by police yesterday, revealed that the premises had been cordoned off with yellow police tape and the location was deserted.

Ten horse stables on the site were also found to be empty and are believed to have been moved elsewhere.

On September 11, police through Op Global rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 charities affiliated with GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, suspected of being victims of labor and sexual exploitation.

The raids revealed cases of neglect and abuse, leading to the arrest of several individuals associated with GISBH.