KOTA BARU: The Kelantan government is monitoring the movements of Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holding (GISB) in the state and is prepared to cooperate with the police if necessary, says Mohd Asri Mat Daud.
The state Islamic development, dakwah, information and regional relations committee chairman said they had not received any complaints of crime or misconduct from the community related to the movement.
He said Kelantan had also collected information related to GISB, which is believed to have a school in Gong Kulim, Pasir Puteh; two charity houses in Kota Baru and Pasir Puteh; four restaurant premises – two in Kota Baru and one each in Gua Musang and Tumpat; two hotels in Kota Baru; and four other premises.
"GISB has a foothold in Kelantan but does not have many entities such as schools, charity homes, restaurants, hotels and so on. Therefore, we only monitor and remain on standby because we cannot conduct raids without any complaints.
"We also do not rule out the possibility of working with the Kelantan Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAHEAIK), the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK), and the local authorities in dealing with this movement," he told reporters after the state exco meeting at Kota Darulnaim Complex, here on Wednesday (Sept 18).
On Tuesday (Sept 17), His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, ordered police to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the issue of crime and child abuse linked to GISB charity homes.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the results of health screening tests on 392 children rescued from GISB-linked charity homes through Op Global found elements of physical and emotional abuse.
In addition, there are elements of child labour and exploitation of those under the age of 18 who were forced to sell for the organisation.
In a raid on Sept 11, the police rescued 402 children and teenagers, consisting of 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17 years old, who were suspected of being victims of exploitation in 18 charity homes in Selangor and two in Negri Sembilan through Op Global.
The raid also revealed offences of neglect and mistreatment of children and teenagers who were residents of the charity homes involved. As a result, 171 individuals were arrested, including 105 women. – Bernama
