The Social Welfare Department’s Response to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) Investigation

In a recent development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, the Women, Family, and Community Development Minister, shared crucial information regarding the ongoing investigation into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) and the children associated with the organization.

Releasing Children into Custody

• The Social Welfare Department is open to releasing children linked to GISB into the custody of their parents.
• Valid documents such as birth certificates and identity cards are required for verification.
• Some rescued children do not possess identity cards and claim to have never met their parents or families, making the verification process challenging.
• The department aims to ensure the safety of the children by verifying the claims made by individuals who assert to be the parents.
  

  Legal Measures and Custody Orders
  

• Nancy emphasized that the department has no intention of separating children from their parents.
• A total of 660 children were rescued in Op Global, with 559 of them placed under the department’s custody from October to December.
• An order extension request is pending for long-term solutions, which will be discussed in a coordination meeting hosted by the National Security Council.
• Long-term solutions may involve returning children to their parents or qualified and suitable persons as per the law.
  

  Psychological Assessment and Education
  

• Psychology testing on 454 children revealed that a percentage of them experience moderate and severe disorders.
• Some children are registered persons with disabilities or exhibit symptoms of disabilities.
• The majority of rescued children have attended school, with efforts to support their educational needs and well-being.
• The age group of seven to 15 years old comprises the highest number of rescued children.
  

  Support from the Private Sector
  

• The private sector, including corporate companies and foundations, has shown intentions to donate and support the needs of the rescued children.
• The department is coordinating efforts to ensure adequate support and resources for the children’s well-being.
  

  Police Operation and Declared Practices
  

• Police launched Op Global to investigate charity homes linked to GISBH suspected of exploiting children and religion.
• A total of 359 followers of GISB, including top management, were detained during the operation.
• Perlis, Selangor, and Pahang have labeled GISB practices and teachings as deviant.

  In conclusion, the ongoing investigation and actions taken by the authorities aim to protect and safeguard the well-being of children associated with GISB. The emphasis on legal procedures, custody arrangements, psychological assessments, education, and support from the private sector highlights a comprehensive approach to address the complexities of the situation. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders reflect a commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of the rescued children in the face of challenging circumstances.