KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – In a harrowing development

Malaysian police have rescued an additional 187 children from welfare homes associated with the controversial Islamic business group, Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB Holdings). This rescue operation, which occurred on Monday, is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of minors that has sent shockwaves throughout the nation.

Total Number of Rescued Children

The rescue operation has now brought the total number of children rescued to a staggering 572 since the case first broke earlier this month. Among the rescued were 59 children under the age of five, and horrifying accounts have emerged, including reports of children being caned and subjected to physical abuse that was recorded and circulated online.

Investigation and Arrests

National police chief Razarudin Husain revealed that the investigation has also led to the arrest of 156 suspects. Disturbingly, police reports indicate that some of these children were reportedly sodomized, coerced into sexual acts with one another, and subjected to brutal punishments, including being denied medical treatment and burned with hot metal spoons. Initial medical examinations have confirmed that at least 13 teenagers suffered from sodomy, and a shocking 172 children displayed signs of long-term physical and psychological trauma.

Victim Background

The victims are primarily children of GISB employees, many of whom were placed in these welfare homes as infants, creating a disturbing environment of indoctrination into the group's ideologies. The urgent police action follows a public outcry and a direct call for swift investigations from the Malaysian monarchy, reflecting the national outrage generated by the revelations surrounding GISB.

GISB's Operations and Crackdown

GISB operates a range of businesses, including mini-markets, bakeries, and pharmacies, and is rooted in the teachings of the Al Arqam Islamic sect, which the government banned in 1994 due to its heretical practices. In a significant crackdown, police have conducted raids on 280 locations associated with GISB, although many of these have been abandoned. Authorities seized numerous Islamic texts and materials reportedly promoting deviant teachings during these raids.

Financial Investigations and Arrests

Notably, police have frozen 138 bank accounts linked to GISB, amounting to approximately 1.9 million ringgit ($452,000), amidst ongoing investigations into potential money laundering activities. Among the high-profile arrests are GISB's CEO Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali, two of his wives, and two of his children, along with relatives of Al Arqam's late leader, Ashaari Mohamad.

Response from GISB's Leadership

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Nasiruddin has publicly acknowledged the possibility of some instances of sodomy within the homes but refuted claims of widespread abuse.

Call for Justice

As public and legal scrutiny continues to mount, Malaysian authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward, as they seek to shed light on this unsettling scandal and ensure justice for the vulnerable children affected by these heinous acts. For those watching this story unfold, the call for justice has never been more urgent.