Shariah Compliance Concerns Lead to Closure of Islamic Religious Schools Linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings
In a move to uphold Shariah compliance, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) has ordered the closure of eight private Islamic religious schools found to have connections with Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB). The affected premises include:
- Sekolah Menengah (SM) Islam Global Ikhwan (Banat)
- Sekolah Rendah Islam (SRI) Yaqutul Fuad and SRI Integrasi Bustanul Ikhwani in Rawang
- SRI Integrasi Qurratul Ain and Maahad Tahfiz Wal Ulum Al Ghazaly in Sepang
- SRI Miftahul Hikmah in Klang
- SM Islam Zadut Taqwa 2 in Puchong
- SM Islam Zadut Taqwa 1 in Shah Alam
Violations of Control of Islamic Religious Schools Enactment 1988
Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof stated that the closure order was issued following inspections and investigations that revealed violations of the provisions under the Control of Islamic Religious Schools Enactment 1988 (EPSAI 1988). He emphasized that only eight premises used by GISB or its network have been registered as private Islamic religious schools under EPSAI 1988.
Legal Actions and Rehabilitation Efforts
Abdul Aziz mentioned that investigation papers are being prepared against individuals associated with GISB and its network for offenses related to Islam under the Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment (Selangor) 1995 and the Administration of the Religion of Islam Enactment (State of Selangor) 2003. These papers will be submitted to the Chief Syariah Prosecutor for further action.
Additionally, MAIS will collaborate with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to support the rehabilitation of children rescued from charity homes and placed in JKM-controlled homes. The management of Masjid Cahaya Iman and Musolla Ikhwan at the GISBH Complex in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, will be taken over by MAIS pending investigations against the company.
Coordinated Efforts Against GISBH and its Network
To ensure comprehensive actions, MAIS has established a special committee comprising MAIS, JAIS, the Selangor State Mufti Department, police, JKM, and other relevant agencies to coordinate efforts against GISBH and its network.
In conclusion, the closure of these Islamic religious schools highlights the importance of adhering to Shariah compliance regulations. It also underscores the authorities’ commitment to upholding the integrity of Islamic education institutions and maintaining the welfare of individuals affected by such violations. This development serves as a reminder of the significance of regulatory oversight in religious education and the need for continuous monitoring to safeguard the community’s interests.