KUALA LUMPUR: The use of preventive laws, such as the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), is being considered to deal with cult groups, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
In a parliamentary written reply, the Home Minister said, as the ministry responsible for overseeing domestic security and public order, it remains committed to reviewing and improving all laws under its jurisdiction, including those related to security offences.
The Ministry will continue to support national reforms based on values of compassion, well-being, confidence, and sustainability to ensure the aspirations of the Malaysia Madani Agenda are achieved.
"Currently, the Home Ministry is evaluating the suitability of using existing preventive laws, such as the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Poca), to address cult groups.
"This is because punitive laws may not holistically resolve such issues due to technical legal challenges, similar to those faced by preventive laws.
"Should amendments to the Act be necessary, the Ministry will take appropriate action, including engaging with relevant stakeholders," he said in response to a question from Datuk Shamsulkahar Mohd Deli (BN-Jempol) who asked whether the government has any intention to enact new laws to curb and address the activities of cult groups such as GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) that are currently being investigated by the relevant authorities, for various offences including exploiting religion, human trafficking and child abuse.
In Sept, the police said that it was actively investigating the allegations against GISB related to religious issues and child exploitation.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has confirmed the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, Saifuddin said the government has launched the Malaysian Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (MyPCVE), which outlines four main pillars, 15 Strategic Focus Areas, 59 Initiatives, and 60 Key Performance Indicators.
"The government believes this plan will effectively prevent the spread of extremist ideologies among Malaysians," he said.
In November, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) started rehabilitation programmes for the children rescued from GISB using a special module called the Islamic Education Module.
The module is developed in collaboration with the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) and the Selangor Quranic Tahfiz Institutions Association (Pitas).
