Advertisement

Malaysia investigates militant indoctrination claims among rescued GISB children

In addition to child sex abuse claims, police are now examining links between the shadowy group and allegations of militant indoctrination

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) headquarters in Rawang, Malaysia. Photo: AFP
Police in Malaysia are investigating whether children rescued from care homes linked to the controversial organisation Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) were exposed to militant teachings.
Advertisement
Hundreds of children were removed from care homes linked to GISB last month amid allegations of horrific sexual and physical abuse.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed on Sunday that the investigation was shifting focus to the possibility of militant indoctrination – including whether the children were shown militant-themed videos.

“We do know that the children were also shown videos of their leader ‘Abuya’ at the care homes,” he said.

The original police operations against GISB did not initially address militant teachings, but evidence has prompted a re-evaluation.

More than 500 children were removed from GISB care homes last month in an operation dubbed Ops Global. Photo: Facebook/GISB
More than 500 children were removed from GISB care homes last month in an operation dubbed Ops Global. Photo: Facebook/GISB

Al-Arqam, the predecessor of GISB, was founded by Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya, in 1968 and was banned in 1994. The organisation later rebranded as Rufaqa Corporation before adopting its current name.

Advertisement