Nearly two weeks have passed since authorities launched Op Global, a police operation that led to the rescue of 572 children and teenagers from a charity home linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH). Despite the widespread attention the operation has garnered, the parents of these children have yet to come forward to claim them.
Authorities believe that the parents may be deliberately avoiding the situation to prevent exposure of a deceptive scheme. According to Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the parents allegedly presented the charity home as an orphanage to solicit donations from the public. However, the children are not orphans but are the offspring of members of the organization. This misrepresentation, he noted, is a serious offence under Section 420 of the Penal Code, which covers fraud.
Compounding the problem, several parents who were arrested during the investigation have denied any connection to the children. In certain cases, the children themselves, especially those under the age of 12, told police that they did not know who their parents were. These developments have complicated efforts to reunite the children with their families and shed light on the deeper issues within the organization.
In the meantime, the rescued children have been placed in 11 safe houses managed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM). The Ministry of Education (MOE) has also stepped in to ensure the children's education is not neglected. Over 300 of the rescued children will be enrolled in a special educational programme, set to begin on October 1. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek explained that the programme will involve a two-month first phase, with the possibility of extending to a second phase if needed.
In the ongoing investigation, authorities have also discovered disturbing details about the activities of GISBH. During the fourth phase of the probe, launched last Saturday, police uncovered evidence that members of the organization were still practicing the Aurad Muhammadiyah ritual. This practice is associated with the Al-Arqam group, a sect banned by the Malaysian government in 1994 for its deviant teachings. Pamphlets and books related to the ritual were seized and handed over to the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) for further scrutiny.
As the investigation continues, it is being carried out under several laws, including the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA). Inspector-General Razarudin revealed that as of September 21, 153 bank accounts related to GISBH had been frozen, amounting to RM882,795. Additionally, authorities have seized 38 vehicles valued at around RM3.94 million, along with 14 properties that are under investigation.
The freezing of assets was conducted under Section 44(1) of the AMLATFPUAA, while the seizures were carried out under Section 45(2) of the same act. These actions are part of a broader effort to dismantle the financial operations of GISBH and hold those responsible accountable for their crimes.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said the government is closely monitoring the case. He added that a ruling on GISBH’s doctrine would be made following the upcoming meeting of the Conference of Rulers in October. Before this decision is finalized, the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI), chaired by Datuk Nooh Gadot, will convene alongside state muftis from September 24 to 26 to discuss the religious implications of the group's teachings.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to uncover the full extent of the organization's activities and ensure the welfare of the children involved. The government has committed to holding those responsible accountable, while also addressing the broader social and religious concerns raised by the case.
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