The prosecution has charged a man named Barur with child abuse after a raid was conducted earlier this month. Authorities seized a cane and a mobile phone containing a video of the suspect striking a child. Barur was separately charged with abusing two boys aged 11 and 10 by caning them on their palms. He was also charged with abusing a 10-year-old by kneeing him on his chest and caning him.
Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh requested the court to impose a maximum sentence on Barur to serve as a lesson and deterrent to society. She emphasized that his acts of abuse caused injuries that were overboard, which attracted public interest and caused an uproar. Barur, who did not have a lawyer, expressed remorse and requested a light sentence, stating that he was supporting his parents and vowed not to repeat his actions.
In a separate development, Malaysia’s Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Armizan Mohd Ali, announced that the ministry has issued compounds amounting to RM4.4 million against 12 companies linked to GISB. The companies were found to have not submitted their annual and financial statements as required by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). The investigation also revealed that there are other businesses using the GISB name, with a potential link to 201 companies.
GISB Holdings, a Muslim conglomerate with assets totalling around RM325 million globally, has been associated with the Al Arqam sect, which was banned by Malaysian religious authorities in 1994. The group has supermarkets, restaurants, and other businesses in various countries. Authorities in Malaysia recently rescued 572 children and teenagers from care homes allegedly owned by GISB. Initial investigations found that some of the rescued individuals had been subjected to sexual abuse.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to continue the probe against GISB and its alleged misconduct. More than 300 people, including senior management of GISB, have been detained in connection with the case. The authorities are working diligently to uncover any criminal activities associated with GISB and ensure justice for the victims. The case has sparked public outcry and raised concerns about child welfare and protection in Malaysia.
The case involving Barur and the child abuse charges, as well as the investigation into GISB-linked companies, highlights the importance of safeguarding children and ensuring accountability in business practices. The Malaysian government’s swift action in rescuing the children and cracking down on possible financial irregularities demonstrates a commitment to upholding the law and protecting vulnerable individuals. As the investigations progress, it is crucial for authorities to fully uncover the extent of the abuses and bring those responsible to justice to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
