BERNAMA filepic
KOTA BARU: Police believe that GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) followers are still in the country because they lack the financial means to escape to neighbouring countries like Thailand.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain (pic) said the followers’ finances were controlled by GISB's leaders, who were recently arrested and had their accounts frozen.
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"The top leadership has been arrested, so those below them (followers) cannot flee.
"They are hiding (in the country) because they have no money, no salaries, or any other means to escape," he said when contacted on Wednesday (Sept 25).
Furthermore, he added, they do not have avenues for refuge in Thailand.
"Even if they escape to Thailand, where would they go? The five top GISB leaders have already been detained by police, so I don't see them heading there (to Thailand)," he said.
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Razarudin also said intelligence and investigations did not indicate that any GISB followers had fled to the country's borders.
He also confirmed claims that premises such as laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISB in several states have changed their signage after police raids.
"Yes, many GISB establishments have changed their signboards. We have identified them and are investigating," he said.
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Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) said it would intensify operations to raid GISB premises, including those connected to the founder of the banned Al-Arqam sect, the late Ashaari Muhammad.
"We are assisting police and the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department by searching for written materials that point to Abuya Ustaz Ashaari," the spokesman said.
A check on Wednesday morning of premises such as laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISB in Kota Baru, Tumpat and Gua Musang found that they have ceased operations.
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A hotel here linked to the group changed its GISB signage to a different name.
In addition, checks at a charitable home and school linked to GISB in Gong Kulim, Pasir Puteh which was raided by police on Tuesday (Sept 24) found that it was vacant and sealed off with yellow police tape.
Ten horse pens in a stable at the location have also been emptied, with the animals believed to have been taken elsewhere.
On Sept 11, police rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 charitable homes allegedly linked to GISB in Selangor and Negri Sembilan, who were suspected of being victims of child labour and sexual exploitation.
The police operation dubbed Ops Global uncovered cases of neglect and abuse, leading to the arrest of several individuals connected to GISB. – Bernama
