Malaysian Authorities Expand Probe into Islamic Group After Child Rescue

Malaysian authorities have widened their investigation into the Islamic business group GISB following the rescue of over 400 children from alleged abuse at its charity homes. The Selangor state department is examining GISB's religious education facilities after coordinated raids led to the arrest of 171 adults and the rescue of the children.

Malaysian authorities expanded their investigation into the Islamic business organization GISB on Thursday, a day after police rescued more than 400 children suspected of being sexually abused at charity homes run by the group. The Selangor state Islamic religious department is now scrutinizing the group's religious education facilities and has requested police to hand over any seized teaching materials for further examination under Islamic laws.

In Muslim-majority Malaysia, a dual-track legal system exists with Islamic laws operating alongside secular ones. State religious authorities have the power to enforce laws against what they consider 'deviant' teachings, with most Muslims adhering to Sunni Islam.

Police carried out coordinated raids on 20 GISB-run premises across two states, arresting 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers known as 'ustazs'. The rescued children comprised 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between one and 17. Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain reported that the raids followed allegations of neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, and molestation at the premises.

Two of the raided premises were registered as Islamic schools with the state government, according to a statement by the Selangor Islamic religious department on Thursday. The department had inspected these schools as recently as July without finding any offenses. Further investigations are ongoing, and appropriate actions will be taken if violations are found.

On Thursday, GISB expressed its willingness to cooperate with authorities and denied managing the raided charity homes. A GISB spokesperson stated that they would file a police report. A 19-year-old girl has been charged with child abuse in connection with the case, according to state news agency Bernama.

UNICEF's Malaysia representative, Robert Gass, described the organization as 'deeply shocked and appalled' by the alleged abuse and called for long-term medical and psychosocial support for the children. GISB, linked to the banned Al-Arqam sect, is involved in various businesses and operates in multiple countries. The group has acknowledged its connection to the now-defunct sect but describes itself as an Islamic conglomerate.

(With inputs from agencies.)