‘We never stopped anyone from praying’ - IGP

KUALA LUMPUR - "There’s no such thing as us (the police) not allowing them to pray, it’s not true, they can pray in shifts due to safety reasons.”

This was Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain response in addressing claims that the residents of a charitable home rescued in the recent Op Global were not allowed to perform their prayers.

He stressed that they were allowed to pray but strict security measures were in place.

"The claim that the police didn’t allow prayers is untrue. For those temporarily placed at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol), there is a mosque available here.

"We want to ensure their safety and they can pray, it’s not a barrier," he said.

He was responding to the issue of a viral video on social media that claimed the individuals rescued in Op Global were not allowed to pray.

Meanwhile, regarding allegations that the police were slow in taking action on the case involving GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB), he emphasised that investigations were conducted first before any action was taken.

"Any action follows a process of investigation, which includes gathering information from various angles.

"The police's actions are ongoing and at this time, we are acting based on the evidence, and the process carried out has been sufficient," he said.

The media on Wednesday reported that the victims included 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17 years, who were suspected of being victims of exploitation, neglect and abuse at premises believed to be owned by GISB.

Razarudin highlighted that in the 'Op Global' operation, which took place from 6am to 11am, 171 individuals, including teachers, hostel caretakers, and the chairman of the educational centre, were arrested.

He said the detained individuals consisted of 66 men and 105 women, aged between 17 and 64.