Explainer: What GISBH did to its members, children and women

SHAH ALAM - Recent investigations into GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) have uncovered shocking revelations of child abuse, exploitation of women and fraud within its welfare homes.

The organisation, linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement, faces allegations of physical and sexual abuse, deviant teachings and the misuse of funds solicited under false pretenses.

GISBH Promoting Deviant Teachings Among its Members

GISBH, which operates multiple welfare homes across Malaysia, has been accused of continuing the deviant teachings of Al-Arqam, a sect banned by the National Fatwa Council in 1994.

During recent raids, police found pamphlets, books and other materials related to the group's teachings, indicating that members are still practising the "Aurad Muhammadiyah" ritual.

According to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, these teachings are a key concern.

“We believe, based on intelligence and statements, that GISBH is still engaged in practices related to this sect,” he said.

Authorities have confiscated hundreds of items linked to the teachings, which will be examined by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim).

Perlis became the first state to declare the group's practices deviant, with its Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin stating that GISBH members venerate their leaders and religious figures to the extent of equating them with Prophets.

“They attribute their leaders with the power to perform miracles and claim they possess knowledge of the unseen,” he said.

Other states like Kelantan and Terengganu are still investigating the issue.

Abuse of Children

Perhaps the most disturbing revelation from the ongoing investigation is the abuse children faced in the welfare homes run by GISBH.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that the children were subjected to both physical and sexual abuse by caretakers.

Children were reportedly punished using heated metal objects and in some cases, were taught to perform sexual acts on each other.

These acts were allegedly committed by both caretakers and religious teachers at these welfare homes.

Despite GISBH’s Chief Coordination Officer Adib Attamimi denying any involvement in teaching children to engage in such acts, the organisation's Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali confirmed a few cases of sodomy within the homes in a video statement.

Over 400 children have been rescued so far, many of whom were not orphans but were placed in these homes by their parents.

Shockingly, some parents, when questioned, denied that the children were their own.

Women Exploitation

GISBH's exploitation extends beyond children. The organisation has been accused of exploiting its members, including women, through various means.

Some male members reportedly have multiple wives and many of their children are placed in GISBH homes.

One investigation revealed a member with four wives and 34 children, but only two of the children lived with him, leading to suspicions about the fate of the others.

The deception practised by GISBH allegedly extends to fraudulent schemes, with the group presenting their welfare homes as orphanages to solicit donations.

Razarudin highlighted that parents, when questioned, claimed the children were orphans, likely to avoid detection of their fraudulent activities.

“This could be a ploy to collect donations, which might then be used for other purposes,” he said.

Legal Actions and Arrests

Authorities have taken significant steps against GISBH, with numerous arrests and charges filed.

In one instance, three teaching assistants from a religious school in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, faced 14 charges for sexually abusing children.

A total of 171 people, including caretakers and religious teachers, have been arrested in connection with the abuse and exploitation.

Several of GISBH's top executives, including CEO Nasiruddin, son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad, were also detained.

Financial assets linked to GISBH have been frozen as part of the ongoing investigation, with over RM882,000 across 153 bank accounts seized.

The investigation has now escalated to the application of the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA).

The GISBH scandal has shocked the nation, revealing a deeply disturbing network of child abuse, religious deviance and fraud.

As authorities continue to investigate, the case highlights the urgent need for stricter oversight of welfare homes and religious organisations in Malaysia.