Malaysia arrests hundreds more in child abuse scandal

Authorities have reported that the Malaysian Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB) has continued to engage in criminal activities, such as human trafficking and child sexual abuse, in spite of a significant police operation. The organisation initially garnered international attention in September when police rescued 402 minors from 20 care homes in response to widespread allegations of abuse.

The initial crackdown resulted in the apprehension of 171 suspects, including teachers and caretakers. Nevertheless, authorities have since apprehended hundreds more individuals as new information regarding GISB’s purported criminal activities has surfaced.

According to recent allegations, five members of GISB were engaged in human trafficking for forced labour, exploiting their victims through intimidation, until October 1. Two administrators of a resort in Johor, a southern Malaysian state, that is owned by GISB were apprehended. They were indicted on four counts of human trafficking, which involved three women and one male between the ages of 30 and 57. A third individual, who is employed at the same resort, is currently facing two allegations of sexual misconduct against a 16-year-old. Two additional suspects associated with these incidents are still at large, according to the police.

The extent of the purported abuse is appalling. It is estimated that hundreds of children, between the ages of one and 17, have been subjected to a variety of forms of abuse at care homes administered by the GISB. Some of these children were compelled to perform sexual acts on other juveniles and were sexually abused by their guardians, according to police reports.

On Monday, GISB’s legal representatives denied any involvement in organised crime or unlawful activities during a press conference, urging for a fair investigation. Nevertheless, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, the CEO of the group, acknowledged that one or two cases of sodomy had occurred in the care homes. 

In 20 countries, GISB manages hundreds of enterprises in sectors including education, food, and hospitality. It has also been associated with the controversial religious sect Al-Arqam, which was prohibited by the Malaysian government in 1994 due to concerns regarding deviant Islamic teachings. Khaulah Ashaari, the daughter of Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al-Arqam, is a member of GISB. However, she denies that the organisation continues to adhere to her father’s principles.

The lower house of Malaysia’s parliament convened a special session on Tuesday to address the ongoing GISB scandal. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, the Home Minister, disclosed additional information regarding the maltreatment that children experienced at the group’s care homes during the session. Some children, as young as two, were separated from their families and compelled to work under the pretence of “practical instruction,” according to Saifuddin. In addition, these children were subjected to severe penalties for minor disciplinary infractions, such as conducting up to 500 squats for failing to stand in line properly.

According to Saifuddin, the psychologists who evaluated the children reported that a significant number of them were missing their parents, and some were unaware of their families’ identities.

The ongoing police operation against GISB has so far resulted in the rescue of 625 minors and 415 arrests. In order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the group’s activities across its global network, Malaysian authorities have expanded their investigations internationally and are collaborating with Interpol.