Jais tells Muslims in Friday’s sermon to take the GISBH child abuse allegations seriously

KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) told Muslims in today’s Friday prayer sermon to take into account the seriousness of the allegations of child abuse and sexual crimes against GISB Holdings (GISBH).

The sermon, which was distributed by mosques across the state, said Muslims were “shocked” by recent media reports of police investigations into GISBH’s alleged crimes.

“Several reports cite serious criminal offenses allegedly committed by GISBH, such as physical abuse of students, exploitation of children, forced labor and sexual crimes, including sodomy in nursing homes and Islamic schools run by GISBH,” the sermon said. “Why do these things happen? What are their real goals?”

Jais also highlighted the alleged offenses against Islamic aqeedah (faith) committed on the premises of GISBH, saying these acts tarnish the sanctity of Islam and could invalidate a Muslim’s aqeedah and shahadah (testimony of faith).

The sermon expressed sadness over reports that many GISBH-run nursing homes under investigation had been operating for years in states including Selangor without proper registration.

“Why aren’t they registered?” it wondered.

Concluding, Jais told Muslims to uphold Islamic principles in raising and educating children, adding that this responsibility protects religion, life, intellect, property and lineage.

It called on all parties, including GISBH, to fully understand Islamic teachings on maqaasid sharia and the rights of children.

On September 11, police raided 20 nursing homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan linked to GISBH, rescuing 402 children and teenagers between the ages of 1 and 17.

Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said health examinations of 392 rescued children showed signs of physical and emotional abuse, with suspicions of forced labor.

GISBH has denied the allegations.

The group has also been declared “deviant and un-Islamic” by the Perlis Fatwa Committee.

Perlis mufti Datuk Dr. Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said the fatwa was issued after the committee received convincing evidence.

Yesterday, Jais received police cooperation to investigate 612 persons linked to GISBH under the Syariah Criminal Enactment (Selangor) 1995.

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