Child abuse probe: Malaysian firm GISB has 10,000 followers still practising deviant teachings, says police chief

POLICE DENY INACTION

At the same time, Mr Razarudin denied suggestions that the authorities had taken too long to act against the group.   

“We did not leave it like that. And Jakim (Malaysia’s Islamic affairs authority) also didn’t just leave it. We tried to get as much information as we could (before taking action),” he said. 

The Sultan of Selangor on Saturday expressed disappointment over what he described as a lack of effective action taken against GISB. 

“We must accept the fact that the delay in handling this issue highlighted the weaknesses in monitoring and enforcing laws by religious organisations against charity homes and religious schools linked to GISB,” said a statement from the Selangor Royal Office, as reported by The Star.

“The organisation’s network is so vast that this issue has become serious and out of control.”

Malaysian king Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar had last week ordered the police to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the criminal and abuse allegations at several care homes

The monarch also said that matters concerning the Islamic faith should be safeguarded and not taken lightly.

During the press conference on Monday, Mr Razarudin also gave an update on the asset seizures and freezes undertaken by the police regarding the case.

He shared that a total of 138 bank accounts linked to GISB with funds worth close to RM900,000 have been frozen by the authorities, with 15 other accounts closed so far.

Thirty-eight vehicles worth approximately RM3.8 million have also been seized along with 14 lots of land, of which their value has yet to be determined. Several animals including horses, rabbits and peacocks were also seized during the raids.

Established in 2010, GISB owns bakeries, minimarts and other businesses in Malaysia and elsewhere, with assets totalling around RM325 million globally.