KUALA LUMPUR: Daily allowances are being provided to former GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) members, their spouses and children to join voluntary rehabilitation programmes, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
The allowances are provided by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) along with state and federal Islamic religious councils and departments.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Senator Dr Zulkifli Hasan (pic) said the programme also includes skills training to help participants sustain their livelihoods.
"We have developed a comprehensive module covering education, financial management and skills training. However, participation remains low, likely due to the programme's voluntary nature.
"For the children in shelter homes, we will continue their schooling while ensuring they receive proper Islamic guidance,” he said during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Nov 27).
Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) had asked about measures to increase GISB members' participation in the rehabilitation programmes, particularly given the fatwas addressing deviations in the group’s teachings.
Zulkifli said GISB members allowed to take part in the voluntary rehabilitation programme are those without criminal offences.
Those who have been detained must undergo a specialised programme led by the Royal Malaysia Police, the Prisons Department and Jakim, he added.
He also said the government has launched a 90-day voluntary programme to realign the faith of the group’s leaders and followers who have deviated from the teachings of Ahli Sunnah Wal Jamaah.
"The National Security Council (NSC) and Jakim, in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), state Islamic religious departments, and state-level NSC, began a pilot project on Nov 7 at the MAIS rehabilitation home.
"Evaluations are conducted every 30 days during the rehabilitation process. Building on this pilot project, Jakim, in partnership with NSC and various agencies, will roll out a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.
"This initiative will encompass faith and Syariah restoration, education, counselling, healthcare, national integration and skills training, to prepare participants for reintegration in society,” Zulkifli said. – Bernama