KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysian authorities have uncovered a shocking case of child sexual abuse at charity homes run by a prominent Islamic business organization with ties to a banned religious sect.
In a series of coordinated raids across two Malaysian states, police rescued 402 children – 201 boys and 201 girls aged 1 to 17 – who were allegedly subjected to neglect, sexual harassment, and molestation at the homes operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB).
“What we have seen is the indoctrination of children using religious tools in a harmful way,” said Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain at a press conference on Wednesday.
The raids led to the arrest of 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers or “ustazs”, who are suspected of perpetrating the abuse. Preliminary investigations indicated the children were the offspring of GISB employees who were sent to the homes shortly after birth and subsequently subjected to horrific acts, including sodomy by adult guardians.
GISB, a conglomerate involved in businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats, has acknowledged its ties to the now-defunct Malaysia-based Al-Arqam religious sect, which was banned by the government in 1994. The company has denied the sexual abuse allegations, saying it does not manage the charity homes.
However, Razarudin said the victims were “used to gain public sympathy and raise funds for the organization,” underscoring how the children and their religious sentiments were exploited.
The rescued children will now undergo health screening and documentation as authorities investigate the case under laws covering sexual offenses against minors and human trafficking.
“This is a deeply disturbing and unacceptable situation that demands a thorough and transparent investigation,” said human rights advocate Siti Kasim. “The victims deserve justice and comprehensive support to overcome the trauma they have endured.”
