Cabinet to review proposal on GISBH children next week

 

Women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri said a court order would be necessary for the government to temporarily assume the role of guardian of the rescued children. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The women, family and community development ministry will present a proposal to the Cabinet next week regarding the care and future of more than 500 children rescued from welfare homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).

Its minister, Nancy Shukri, said the proposal would address short, medium and long-term plans for the children, with input from several key ministries.

She highlighted the importance of collaboration with other ministries and agencies, such as the education and health ministries, national registration department, the Islamic development department and police.

These stakeholders will provide advice and guidance to ensure the children’s needs are met across various aspects, including health, identity documentation and education,

 she said after the launch of an initiative to combat iron deficiency anaemia in children.

On Monday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the parents of the 572 children and teenagers rescued from welfare homes linked to GISBH had yet to come forward to claim them.

When asked if the parents were aware of their children’s fate, Razarudin said they are believed to be members of the organisation.

The rescued children have been placed in safe houses by the social welfare department.

Meanwhile, Nancy said a court order would be necessary for the government to temporarily assume the role of guardian of these children.

“A significant challenge lies in addressing their varying age groups, and the level of indoctrination some of them have undergone.

We are working closely with experts and other authorities to ensure the best approach for their recovery and reintegration,

 she said.

The saga began on Sept 11 when police rescued 402 children from 18 welfare homes in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan, which the authorities had linked to GISBH.

Police said their investigations showed that at least 13 of the children were allegedly sodomised or taught to sexually assault others.

So far, over 300 individuals, including GISBH’s senior management, have been detained.

GISBH has denied operating the welfare homes and rejected claims the children under its care were sodomised or forced to sexually assault others, although its CEO Nasiruddin Ali has since admitted that one or two cases of sodomy had occurred within the organisation in the past. - FMT