SHAH ALAM - A shocking raid on charity homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan has uncovered a horrifying network of physical and sexual abuse, as well as abandonment.
According to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, some of the 402 children who were rescued in raids on 20 welfare homes today were sodomised and taught to sexually assault others.
Here is an explainer of what has happened so far:
The investigation, codenamed "Ops Global," began after a police report was filed on Sept 2 regarding child neglect, sexual abuse, and molestation at a charity home in Port Dickson.
On Sept 11, police raided 18 charity homes, rescuing the 402 children.
The victims were subjected to severe neglect and abuse, including sodomy and physical mistreatment.
Authorities arrested 171 individuals, including teachers, dormitory supervisors, and chairpersons, who were involved in the abuse.
The perpetrators allegedly exploited the victims' vulnerabilities to solicit donations and sympathy from the public.
Razarudin revealed that the investigation uncovered horrifying abuse practices.
The top cop said that based on the intelligence received, the victims were exposed to sodomy before being sodomised by caretakers and then forced to sodomise other residents.
He said children as young as five years old were injured with hot objects when they made mistakes.
He added that some children who were sick were not allowed to receive medical treatment, resulting in their condition turning critical.
Ongoing Investigation
The police are investigating the case under several laws, including the Child Act 2001, the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and the Penal Code.
As part of the ongoing 'Ops Global,' eight investigation papers have been opened—four in Negeri Sembilan and four in Selangor.
In the Port Dickson case alone, six suspects—five men and one woman—were arrested.
To date, there have been 41 reports filed against the group involved in these activities, spanning multiple states including 19 in Selangor, 13 in Negeri Sembilan, one in Perlis, three in Kedah, two in Penang, one in Kuala Lumpur, one in Melaka, five in Johor, two in Pahang, one in Terengganu, and one in Sabah.
Current Status
All rescued children are undergoing initial health screenings at designated facilities.
The documentation process for these children will be conducted at the Police Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur, a process anticipated to take around 14 days but subject to adjustments based on individual needs.
Preliminary investigations have not identified any political figures involved in the scandal.
Global Ikhwan Denies Involvement
A firm involved in various businesses has denied exploiting children as workers. Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings, or GISB Holdings, said allegations it had been exploiting children were malicious slander aimed at putting the company in a negative light.
GISB Deputy Director of Administration Mokhtar Tajuddin said that the company does not condone any activities that violate the law, especially those involving children.
"Our stance is clear, we are committed to adhering to the law and supporting the government's aspirations to develop the country.
"We are ready to cooperate with the relevant authorities to resolve this issue.
"Lastly, we pray to Allah SWT that these slanders, accusations, and hatred come to an end," he said in a statement.
GISB Holdings, which owns various businesses across Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe, and China, is reportedly set to meet with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) over allegations of involvement with the banned Al-Arqam sect.
The company, previously linked to Al-Arqam, has stated that it has moved away from its former image as the sect's business wing and now operates as a multinational company.