Johor MB: State government to set up committee to restore confidence of GISBH followers amid child exploitation probe

JOHOR BARU, Oct 2 — The Islamic Religious Council of Johor (MAINJ) will establish a special committee to restore the faith of followers of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) in the state, said Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi.

He said the committee was approved at a MAINJ meeting to develop efforts to restore the spiritual beliefs of GISBH followers in Johor.

“In addition, this effort also aims to coordinate the education, placement and assistance provided to the children of GISBH followers,” he said in a statement today.

The move follows the arrest of several key GISBH figures by police during a major crackdown on welfare homes run by the organization over allegations of abuse and exploitation.

Onn Hafiz said the Johor government was monitoring the GISBH for any further developments.

“We will continue to take action, including investigating the organization’s activities and monitoring the movement of its members in the state,” he said.

The menteri besar said Operation “Op Global”, involving the police, the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) Enforcement Division and the Social Welfare Department (JKM), was carried out on 20 and 21 september.

“The operation targeted eight of the 43 premises belonging to GISBH in five districts: Johor Baru, Kluang, Segamat, Kota Tinggi and Mersing.

“As a result, 29 people were arrested and 30 children and adolescents were rescued,” he said, adding that the rescued children and adolescents were placed in the custody of JKM for one month.

MAINJ also allocated RM20,000 to JKM for clothes and textbooks.

Onn Hafiz emphasized that MAINJ will continue to implement existing regulations and cooperate with the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim) regarding research, studies and decisions related to the status of GISBH.

“The state government will take strict action against anyone committing crimes against children or practicing beliefs contrary to Islam, to preserve the purity of faith,” he said.

On Monday, the Selangor Mufti Department met to make a decision on GISBH, while the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) considered a report on the organization submitted by the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) on September 24.

Last Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said no party involved in the GISBH investigation would be allowed to hide behind race or religion if found guilty of child abuse or exploitation.

“The actions of members of the organization cannot continue unchecked, as they involve mistreatment and violations of individual rights,” he said.

Last month, police launched Operation “Op Global”, during which several charitable homes in Peninsular Malaysia linked to GISBH were raided on suspicion of child and religious exploitation. A total of 572 victims were rescued and 359 GISBH members, including senior officials, were arrested.