KUALA LUMPUR – Police may summon the top management of a local company accused of exploiting children and religion, said Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
However, although it is a potential course of action, currently there are no immediate requirements to do so as the investigation into the welfare homes associated with Global Ikhwan Business and Services Holdings (GISBH) is still in its early stages.
“We may summon them in the future, but for now, it is not necessary,” he said during a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre today, Bernama reported.
On Wednesday, police launched Op Global, a significant operation that led to the rescue of 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to the company in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Razarudin refuted claims of slow police action, clarifying that thorough investigations were conducted before they carried out the raid.
“Any action will go through an investigation process that involves gathering information from various angles.
“Police actions are ongoing and currently we are acting based on the evidence collected and the process we have followed is adequate,” he said.
The top cop also denied allegations of authorities protecting the company after photos showing the company’s top management with senior police officers went viral. He disclosed that he had also posed for photos withthe company representatives during a horse race in Terengganu.
“My taking pictures with them does not imply endorsement – wrongdoing remains wrongdoing. If our investigation uncovers evidence of criminal activities such as deviant teachings or sexual crimes, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
On claims of police not allowing the rescued victims to perform their prayers, Razarudin clarified that permission for prayer was granted on a rotating basis for security reasons.
Earlier, he said that 13 of the rescued children are believed to have been sodomised.
On Wednesday, police raided 20 welfare homes and rescued 402 minors comprising 201 boys and 201 girls aged between 1 and 17.
The IGP said the premises raided were “welfare homes” linked to GISBH, a multinational conglomerate involved in various businesses.
Investigations found that some of the rescued children were sodomised and taught to do the same to other children, while those who were sick were denied medical treatment, he said.
Razarudin added that the children’s bodies were touched inappropriately with the excuse that they were being given “Islamic treatments” while religious sentiments were used to garner sympathy in order for the homes to secure donations.
Meanwhile, GISB Holdings denied operating the welfare homes raided by police, after also denying any involvement in exploitative child labour. – September 13, 2024