KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. Malaysian police have rescued 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings. The raids, which took place on Wednesday, followed serious allegations of child abuse and exploitation.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that investigations into child abandonment, inappropriate teachings, and sexual abuse at these facilities prompted the police action. The children, aged between 1 and 17 years, were freed from 18 homes in central Selangor and two in southern Negeri Sembilan.
The operation led to the arrest of 171 suspects, including 66 men and 105 women, religious teachers and caretakers. “Children were subjected to severe abuse, including sexual exploitation by caretakers and forced participation in abusive acts with each other,” Razarudin reported during a televised news briefing. He also revealed that some children were denied medical care until their conditions worsened and were subjected to physical punishment.
The police investigation indicates that Global Ikhwan, an organization with a controversial history, exploited these children and used religious affiliations to solicit donations. The children had been placed in these homes by their parents, who were misled about the quality of care they would receive.
Global Ikhwan, which was founded by Ashaari Mohamad and previously led the now-banned Al-Arqam sect, has denied the allegations of exploitation but did not address the specific claims of sexual abuse in its statement. “The company will not tolerate any illegal activities, particularly those involving the exploitation of children as workers,” the statement emphasized.
The organization operates in various sectors, including food and beverage, media, medical services, travel, and property, and employs over 5,000 people across 20 countries.
The rescue operation highlights the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance regarding the welfare of children in institutional care. Authorities are supporting the rescued children and continuing their investigation into the allegations.
This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring that institutions responsible for their care operate with integrity and accountability.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
