Malaysian Police to Summon Islamic Firm as More Evidence of Child Sex Abuse Surfaces

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian police announced on Friday that they will summon senior management from an Islamic business group following the rescue of children from charity homes allegedly operated by the firm, where some exhibited signs of injuries consistent with sexual and physical abuse.

Authorities rescued 402 children and youths during raids at 20 locations linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB). The group has denied running the homes and dismissed allegations of abuse, claiming they have not yet been contacted by the police.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain reported that 172 of the rescued individuals have undergone physical and mental health evaluations, revealing numerous old and new injuries, as well as signs of emotional trauma and stunted growth. Some of the children were found to be disabled or ill, and 13 of them had endured sodomy.

This case has ignited outrage in predominantly Muslim Malaysia, with critics questioning the authorities’ lack of timely action, especially since complaints regarding GISB dated back to 2011.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim called for an immediate investigation, instructing authorities to take prompt action against GISB if any misconduct is identified. Of the 171 individuals arrested during the operations, 159 remain in custody for further inquiries, with minor arrests leading to immediate releases.

The investigation extends to four men and one woman suspected in connection with the sodomy allegations. Razarudin stated that the police plan to question GISB’s board and did not rule out additional arrests or further raids related to the group. No specific date for the summons was provided due to ongoing investigations.

GISB has links to a banned Islamic sect in Malaysia and engages in various businesses, operating across 20 countries. The group has acknowledged its association with the now-defunct Al-Arqam sect, banned in 1994, but now presents itself as an Islamic conglomerate rooted in Muslim practices.

Razarudin mentioned that many of the minors were third or fourth-generation GISB members whose parents worked for the company, with some children being abandoned as young as two years old. He highlighted cases where parents were employed abroad for extended periods, leaving their children behind—essentially exposing them to neglect and abuse.

Authorities have screened 392 children currently in police facilities, while those with health issues or special needs have been referred to the welfare department and health ministry for further assistance. Razarudin indicated that the investigation may widen to include allegations of fraud and money laundering and encouraged potential victims to come forward.