Malaysia’s police chief has announced that an investigation will be conducted into a statement made by the CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) amid allegations of child exploitation. Over 400 people have been spoken to in connection with the raids on care homes believed to be linked to GISB, a Muslim conglomerate with assets totaling RM325 million globally. The focus of the investigation is on allegations of child exploitation at these care homes.
In a video posted on its Facebook page, the head of GISB, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, admitted to “one or two” cases of sodomy at the care homes but denied other allegations of misconduct. Malaysian police conducted raids on welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing 402 children who were allegedly abused, some sexually. The police are in the process of tracing the parents of the rescued children to record their statements.
Some of the rescued children had been left at the care homes since they were two years old, according to Police Chief Razarudin Hussain. The parents of these children were said to have gone abroad for work, leaving their children behind. Investigations into child abandonment as a possible offense are also being conducted. Residents living near one of the care homes in Puchong reported seeing children engaging in various work and businesses, such as helping at a stable and selling goat milk.
Reuters reported that Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department is planning to bring a report on suspected deviant teachings by GISB to the Cabinet, the national religious affairs council, and the conference of rulers. Malaysia has nine royal rulers who act as custodians of Islam in the country. The investigation into GISB and the alleged child exploitation cases is ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing and ensure justice is served.
