Malaysia Based Global Ikhwan (GISB) Under the Radar For Alleged Child Exploitation, Deviations
Ongoing investigation into alleged child abuse in care homes raises questions about oversight and accountability.
Content Warning: This article discusses allegations of child abuse and exploitation, which some readers may find distressing.
Disclaimer: This article covers an ongoing investigation. All allegations mentioned are yet to be proven in court, and all individuals and organisations should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The information presented is based on reports from various news sources and statements as of September 17, 2024. This is a developing story, and details may change as the investigation progresses.
On September 11, 2024, Malaysian authorities launched a wide-ranging investigation into a multi-billion business empire following the rescue of 402 children from charity homes allegedly run by the organisation. These minors, ranging in age from one to 17, are suspected of having endured sexual and physical abuse at the hands of their caretakers. The operation was prompted by reports of neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, and molestation, also resulted in the arrest of 171 suspects, including Islamic religious teachers and caretakers.
The children, some as young as five, allegedly endured horrific abuses, including sexual exploitation and physical violence. In one particularly disturbing detail, theInspector General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain reported that some children had been burned with hot spoons as a form of punishment. There were also allegations that children were coerced into abusing one another.
The organisation, Global Ikhwan Service & Business Holdings (GISB), a Muslim conglomerate established in 2010, has grown into a formidable economic force with assets totalling approximately RM325 million (US$74.9 million) globally. Its reach extends across 20 countries, encompassing a diverse portfolio of 415 business outlets including supermarkets, restaurants, and various other enterprises. With annual revenues of RM187 million, GISB’s economic footprint is comparable to many public-listed companies.
As this situation continues to unfold, it is crucial to approach the information with caution and critical thinking. While the allegations are serious and the case has garnered significant attention, it is important to remember that the investigation is ongoing, and many details remain to be confirmed or clarified by authorities.
The GISB Legacy
GISB has long been associated with the defunct Al-Arqam religious sect, which was banned by the Malaysian government in 1994 due to its deviant teachings. While GISB acknowledges this historical link, it now presents itself as an “Islamic conglomerate based on Muslim practices.”1,2
GISB has previously promoted polygamy and the establishment of the “Obedient Wives Club,” an international Islamic religious organisation that encouraged wives to act like “first-class prostitutes” to prevent their husbands from straying.3
These controversial stances have positioned GISB at the intersection of traditional Islamic values and modern business practices, a junction that has now become the focal point of intense scrutiny.4
The Business Model
A unique blend of religious ideology and capitalist enterprise. With operations spanning 20 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australasia, the conglomerate has successfully exported its brand of Islamic commerce to diverse markets. It has halal Malaysian restaurants in Sydney, Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok, London, and Cairo, as well as other businesses in France, Russia, and Guangzhou, China, and an Ikhwan-branded food business.
From reports, the company’s portfolio includes:
Supermarkets and mini-markets
120 restaurants across multiple countries
Bakeries and food businesses
Logistics and maritime operations
The 402 rescued children, some of whom had been separated from their parents since the age of two, represent a stark failure in child protection. According to reports, many of these children were the offspring of GISB members who had been sent abroad for work to countries such as Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Some had not seen their parents for several years, raising questions about child abandonment and the responsibilities of both parents and the organisation.
According to one such report, residents near one of the care homes in Puchong reported seeing children engaged in various work activities, including helping at animal stables and selling goat milk5. Could there be potential cases of child labor and exploitation?
According to a corporate video on its website, GISB claims to have 3,658 “youth” employees and 1,698 “adult” workers, 1,656 families in its business network, of which 1,232 are monogamous families and the remaining 425 are polygamous families.6
GISB is now being investigated under the Child Act 2001 (Act 611), the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670).7
The Response
In the wake of the raids and subsequent media coverage, GISB’s response has been a mix of denial and qualified acknowledgment. In a statement, the company categorically denied allegations of child exploitation, asserting that the shelters in question were not under GISB’s management.
In its statement, GISB said it believed that certain parties with an “agenda to bring down the image” of its business were behind the accusation.
However, in a video posted on GISB’s Facebook page on September 14, 2024, the head of the conglomerate, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, made a startling admission. He acknowledged that there were “one or two” cases of sodomy at the care homes but denied other allegations of misconduct. This partial admission has only served to intensify public scrutiny and raise further questions about the extent of the alleged abuses.
“Indeed, there were one or two cases of sodomy, but why lump them (the cases) all together?”
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“I don't want to blame the laws. It's true we have done some wrongs in the eyes of the law but couldn't there be some advice or discussions first?”8
The GISB scandal unfolds against the backdrop of Malaysia’s unique socio-political landscape, where Islam plays a central role in both governance and daily life. As a Muslim-majority country with a dual-track legal system—Islamic laws running alongside secular ones—Malaysia faces unique challenges in regulating organisations that straddle the line between religious and commercial activities.
The Malaysian authorities have responded with a multi-pronged approach:
Police Investigation: The primary focus is on allegations of child exploitation involving the care homes believed to be owned by GISB.
Religious Scrutiny: The Selangor state Islamic religious department is examining GISB’s religious education facilities and has requested that police hand over any teaching materials seized during the raids.
Parent Tracing: Authorities are in the process of locating the parents of the rescued children to record their statements and investigate potential child abandonment charges.
National-Level Review: Malaysia’s Islamic Development Department plans to bring a report on suspected deviant teachings involving GISB to the Cabinet, the national religious affairs council, and the conference of rulers.
The King’s Decree
On September 17, 2024, the Malaysian King Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations of abuse and criminal activities at the GISM linked care homes9. His intervention brings several crucial elements to the forefront:
Religious Sensitivity: The King emphasised that matters concerning the Islamic faith should be safeguarded and not taken lightly underscoring the need for balance between religious freedom and accountability in religious institutions.
Call for Restraint: The King advised all parties to refrain from making extreme statements on religious issues, highlighting the sensitive nature of the case and its potential to inflame societal tensions.
Demand for Action: The King’s call for a “thorough investigation” and “immediate action” places significant pressure on law enforcement and judicial bodies to expedite their processes and ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
The intervention of Malaysia’s King in the GISB scandal represents a pivotal moment in this unfolding crisis. It elevates the case from a shocking instance of alleged child abuse to a national issue that touches on core aspects of the Malaysian society – the role of Islam, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the integrity of religious-commercial institutions.
As the investigation proceeds under this heightened scrutiny, it will likely have far-reaching implications not just for GISB and its affiliates, but for the broader landscape of religious organisations, child welfare policies, and corporate governance in Malaysia. The international community will be watching closely, as the outcome of this case could set important precedents for how nations handle the complex intersections of faith, business, and human rights.
A Moment for Reflection
The ongoing investigation into GISB and its associated care homes has brought several critical issues to the forefront of Malaysian society. While it is important to remember that the allegations are still under investigation, this case nonetheless raises significant questions about child welfare, religious governance, and corporate responsibility in Malaysia.
The scale of the operation—rescuing 402 children—highlights systemic issues within certain welfare systems that may allow for abuse under the guise of care. Regardless of the outcome of this specific case, it prompts us to consider:
How can Malaysia strengthen its oversight of care homes and educational institutions, particularly those with religious affiliations?
What additional safeguards might be necessary to ensure the well-being of children separated from their parents for extended periods?
The allegations against GISB, if proven would be a complex entanglement of few sensitive aspects. This situation invites us to ponder upon a few issues:
How can societies balance respect for religious institutions with the need for transparency and accountability, especially when vulnerable populations are involved?
How can faith-based organisations maintain their religious identity while adhering to secular child protection standards?
As the investigation continues, more details will no doubt emerge and this case will continue to remain at the forefront of national interest and discourse in Malaysia. Its implications will be far reaching. It raises important questions for both policymakers and regulators; as well as public discourse and media responsibility. For example:
Are current regulatory frameworks adequate for overseeing complex, multi-faceted organisations like GISB?
How can international cooperation be improved to monitor and regulate transnational entities involved in child care and education?
What role should government play in regulating organisations that operate at the intersection of faith and commerce?
How can media outlets balance the public's right to information with the need to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations?
What role should media literacy play in how the public engages with news about sensitive, ongoing investigations?
The path forward will require renewed commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of children in all aspects. Ultimately, the GISB scandal is a call to action that challenges nations worldwide to assess how they balance respect for faith traditions with the fundamental duty to safeguard human rights and dignity.
Note:
As this case continues to develop, it is important to approach the information with care and responsibility. It is important to:
Respect the legal process and presumption of innocence in accordance with the Malaysian law.
Avoid speculation and stick to verified information from reliable sources
Consider the broader implications while being cautious about drawing premature conclusions
As consumers of news and information, we must remain critical thinkers, understanding that in complex cases like this, the full picture often takes time to emerge. It is our collective responsibility to foster a public discourse that is informed, balanced, and constructive, even when dealing with deeply troubling allegations.