Jakim officials told to meet business firm over alleged Al-Arqam links

 

Religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar had previously confirmed holding an engagement session with representatives of the company. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

Officials of the Islamic development department Jakim have been instructed to meet representatives of a global Malay-Muslim business firm following allegations of the company’s involvement with 

deviant teachings

 of the now-banned Al-Arqam group.

The firm, Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings or GISB Holdings owns supermarkets, mini-markets, bakeries, 120 restaurants and other businesses in Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe and China, according to a 2022 report.

In a statement on Facebook today, religious affairs minister Na’im Mokhtar urged the public to report suspicious activities that could potentially distort religious beliefs, Bernama reported.

They should file complaints to the police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and state religious authorities for further investigation, he said.

Na’im said Jakim would fully cooperate with the police and state Islamic religious authorities in the investigation.

He had previously confirmed holding an engagement session with representatives of GISB Holdings following allegations of deviant teachings, exploiting religion and children to solicit donations and conduct business.

An FMT profile of the company in 2022 quoted the chief executive, Lokman Hakim Pfordten, as saying that the company had discarded its former image as the business wing of Al-Arqam and is currently positioned as a multinational company. - FMT