KUALA LUMPUR — Police are investigating claims regarding the existence “quarantine centres” by Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings domestically and abroad which are allegedly used to indoctrinate people.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the claims were made by the Pusat Kajian Ajaran Sesat (PUKAS) Facebook account.
These quarantine centres are believed to be used for indoctrination and to subject “problematic” GISB members to mental abuse, he said in a statement.
PUKAS, an outfit that researches deviationist teachings, had alleged that these centres and its practices are believed to have originated from the teachings of Al-Arqam and Rufaqa founder, Abuya Ashaari.
Isolation in remote locations is used as a tactic on congregation members deemed problematic, by holding them in quarantine and barring them from social interactions for the purpose of “self-reflection”. These centres are reportedly located on GISBH-owned land in remote areas.
Razarudin said police are actively tracing assets linked to or owned by GISB to facilitate the investigation.
Police have also initiated 10 investigation papers under Section 12 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 following reports of forced labour from several former employees of the company.
Razarudin also clarified his statement on September 25 when he said GISB had not paid annual business income tax “since it was established”.
He clarified that the unpaid business taxes was for the most recent tax assessment period, and the matter is being investigated by the Inland Revenue Board together with police.
“This investigation focuses on several companies under GISBH that are suspected of failing to comply with certain provisions of the Income Tax Act 1967,” he said.
“Op Global” was launched on September 11 beginning with raids on 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan linked to the group over allegations of child abuse and exploitation.
572 victims have been rescued, while over 300 individuals have been arrested. Several people linked to the care homes and schools have been charged, including for child abuse and for criminal intimidation.
GISB Holdings’ CEO Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and his wife are among those arrested and are currently under remand. – September 28, 2024