Neighbours shocked and puzzled over claims of militant-style abuse at Darussolihin

SHAH ALAM - Madrasah Darussolihin, also known as Darussolihin Welfare Organisation - that has been under the spotlight for the past 24 hours, is known to be an Islamic rehabilitation centre for troubled Muslims according to neighbours.

Based on a quick survey by Sinar Daily this evening, neighbours only had positive comments to say about the alleged militant-style school with many expressing their shock over such accusations.

A neighbour, who wanted to be known as Wak Lan, said he has never came across any forms of abuse or misuse of power at the Madrasah.

He said he has lived here for over 30 years and had seen numerous success stories that the Madrasah had “achieved”.

“I saw people enter the Madrasah in their worst conditions as drug addicts and left the institution fully recovered,” he said to Sinar Daily.

Wak Lan added that some students even refused to leave the Madrasah and continued working as a chef there since they were well taken care off.

He added that it was true that some students tried escaping or had sneaked out of the Madrasah and returned to their homes, which mostly involved those living nearby.

However, he said, at the end of the parents would call the Madrasah to take the children back.

Event planner who only wanted to be known as Nadia said the students and staff at the Madrasah were helpful and dedicated in maintaining the neighbourhood’s cleanliness.

“They helped us during flood season and the students actively participate in community services around the neighbourhood.

“I often enter the Madrasah for surprise deliveries and I did not find any wounds or abuse among the students,” she said.

Nadia also added that her son joins Quran lessons daily and was doing perfectly fine.

Meanwhile, a man named Nasir, whose house is located behind the Madrasah, said the neighbourhood were always invited to join religious activities held there.

“Everyday you can hear they berzikir and conduct prayers. We are also notified if there is any religious activities.

“It’s saddening to know the allegations are made on the Madrasah,” he said after reading the issue on social media platforms.

Yesterday, a Twitter thread from the account of Hafiz Ayub @hafizfiz18 went viral on various social media platforms allegeding that his brother was abused in the Madrasah.

According to his post, the brother was suffering from an unarmed disorder and had been sent there for recovery.

He said the Madrasah looked fine initially but his family felt something was wrong when the family were prohibited to visit the brother for the first four months.

When they finally met, he said they were shocked seeing him weak, skinny and darker due to sunburn.

Various things happened over the past few weeks and when his parents finally decided to disenrolled his brother and bring him home, the Madrasah had asked RM11,970 as a compensation for breaking the agreement.

Selangor State Religious Standing Committee Chairman, Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni said he was informed that the matter is now under investigation by the authorities (Shah Alam District Police Headquarters).

He had also denied any militant-style activities were used at the Madrasah.