KUALA LUMPUR – Two motorhomes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB Holdings), valued at RM700,000 each, were seized by police at the Bukit Kayu Hitam border yesterday.
Registered to an individual in Qatar, the motorhomes feature Dubai number plates and were driven by members of GISB Holdings, though they do not belong to the company, according to the Kedah Immigration Department.
In a Facebook post, the department shared that each motorhome can accommodate six to eight individuals.
Images of the vehicles, which displayed GISB Holdings’ logo, showed the registration numbers X31337 and X37313.
The motorhomes were reportedly brought to the Bukit Kayu Hitam border to renew their International Circulation Permit (ICP), which was nearing expiry.
“According to Road Transport Department (RTD) regulations, every vehicle must be physically present for inspection (for ICP renewal).
“RTD checks confirmed that the vehicles’ chassis and engine numbers were in order, and the ICP renewal, valid for three months, could only be processed at the RTD border office,” it added.
Acting on a tip-off, enforcement teams investigated the vehicles, which were expected to exit Malaysia through the Bukit Kayu Hitam border around 3pm.
The two motorhomes, carrying five local individuals aged between 29 and 45, were found near the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex. The men had last travelled overseas on August 20 via the same checkpoint.
Although no immigration laws were violated, one of the men is believed to be the son of a GISB Holdings leader. The Immigration Department confirmed it will cooperate with the police as investigations into the company continue.
While initial reports suggested the vehicles were bound for Thailand, the department clarified that the motorhomes were expected to return to GISB Holdings’ office in Jitra, Kedah, after the ICP renewal process.
Meanwhile, in a separate Facebook post, an account under the name Anjang Muor, seemingly linked to GISB Holdings, denied any intention to enter Thailand.
The post rejected claims that company members were trying to “run away” with key assets or evidence, confirming that a son of GISB Holdings CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali was among the five arrested.
The same account shared a video showing the motorhomes at a Petronas station in Tapah, with an individual asking viewers to “pray” for their safe journey.
A UAE vehicle license shared in the post identified the motorhome with registration number X37313 as being owned by a Malaysian, Mohd Ghazali Aripin.
Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain confirmed that remand applications for the five men were granted by the Shah Alam magistrate’s court, with their remand orders set to end on September 25.
The men are being investigated under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2022 (Atipsom) for human trafficking.
Nasiruddin, along with his wife, two of their children, and the son of deceased Al-Arqam sect leader Ashaari Mohammad, were also remanded following an early morning raid.
A total of 19 individuals, including four of Ashaari’s daughters—one of whom is Nasiruddin’s wife—were detained during the operation, with the court granting a seven-day remand for all.
The group is under investigation for multiple offences, including Section 32(a) of the Child Act 2001 for allowing a child to beg or receive alms, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network services, and Section 14 of the Atipsom Act related to child trafficking.
On September 11, police raided 20 GISB Holdings-linked welfare homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan during a major operation dubbed Ops Global, arresting 171 individuals, including hostel wardens and teaching staff.
Authorities also rescued 402 children, aged between one to 17, from the centres.
Health screenings of 392 of the children revealed they had suffered physical and emotional abuse, as well as labour exploitation.
Four individuals linked to the company have since been charged with multiple offences, including sexual assault against children and criminal intimidation. – September 19, 2024