IPOH: Parents who claim not to know the whereabouts of their children linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) can contact the police for more information, says Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
The Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director said the children rescued under the recent Ops Global Khas are currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department (JKM).
“From day one of Ops Global, we have asked (parents or guardian) to come forward to help with the investigation.
"If you are separated from your child, you can inquire—there is no restriction. How can you (parents and caretakers) say that you do not know (their whereabouts)," he said at the ceremony for handing over the duties of the Perak police chief and Police Family Association chairman (Perkep) of the state contingent.
Perak Police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris will be retiring (mandatory) on Sunday (Nov 10), and deputy state police chief Deputy Comm Zulkafli Sariaat will be the acting state police chief.
Responding to reports that some parents are considering legal action against the department, Comm Mohd Shuhaily said that it is within their rights.
ALSO READ: GISB: Parents must show valid documents to prove relationship with children, says Nancy
“In rescuing children, we have procedures, processes and laws to follow, including thorough screening by the department and medical professionals.
"It’s a real procedure, not an attempt to take or hide the children," he said.
"If anyone wishes to pursue legal action, that is their right. The Welfare Department is following its procedure to protect the welfare of the children," he added.
“The department has procedures to make sure these children are placed with suitable, capable people who are not only connected by family ties but are also able to care for the children properly," he said.
On Oct 28, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said that the department has been meticulously processing 68 applications for court orders to return children rescued from welfare homes linked to GISB to their parents, guardians, or other qualified individuals.
ALSO READ: GISB probe: Welfare Dept received 98 requests from parents of 200 children, says Nancy
The Women, Family, and Community Development Minister said the Welfare Department must perform its duties diligently, conducting thorough investigations in line with legal requirements before returning the children to their rightful guardians.
Nancy had addressed a media report regarding a couple's claims about their young daughter who had been rescued during Ops Global on Sept 11, despite having no connection to GISB at a welfare home in Rasah, Negri Sembilan.
She noted that so far, a total of 54 children rescued under Ops Global have been returned to their qualified guardians, leaving 506 children still sheltered under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
