KUALA LUMPUR – The Paralympic Council of Malaysia (PCM) has uncovered a shocking revelation: meals served to Malaysia’s para-athletes during the Paris Paralympics were sourced from a company entangled in one of Malaysia’s most disturbing scandals.
The food supplier, Nur Malaysia, is linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), a company accused of abuse, exploitation, and deviant practices.
PCM president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin expressed outrage upon learning that the athletes had been unknowingly fed by GISBH, which is connected to the banned Al-Arqam movement.
“We only recently found out through conversations with some of the athletes and officials that the food came from Nur Malaysia, owned by GISBH.
“At the time, NSC (National Sports Council) handled all administrative processes in Paris, including meal arrangements,” Megat told Scoop.
Previously, in a podcast interview with Sport Check, Megat raised concerns over the appropriateness of the meals provided during the Games, revealing that nasi lemak had been served to athletes while they were in the midst of intense training and competition.
“All this while, we did not know where the food came from. Had (the NSC) consulted us, we could have collaborated with reputable halal restaurants to provide suitable meals.
“This is what happens when PCM’s administrative responsibilities are interfered with,” Megat added.
GISBH, the company responsible for supplying the food, has been mired in controversy, including allegations of deviant teachings, physical and sexual abuse, and financial mismanagement.
In a recent police operation, over 400 people linked to the group were arrested, and more than 20 welfare homes were raided, rescuing over 600 children who were believed to have been exploited.
In addition to the food controversy, Megat voiced frustration over NSC’s lack of transparency and control over PCM’s operations during the Paralympics.
“We knew Paris better than NSC. But instead, they took control of everything,” he said.
Megat also pointed out that the ongoing delays in holding a post-mortem meeting with NSC have prevented them from resolving the issues PCM faced during the Games.
“We need answers from NSC and the Youth and Sports Ministry. Why is the post-mortem being delayed? Are they afraid of the consequences?” he asked.
He further accused the NSC’s Paralympic division of misconduct during the Games, claiming that they took athletes’ passes and restricted PCM’s ability to fulfil its responsibilities.
“They were actively involved in taking athletes’ passes for the venues and the Games village. It’s time for the NSC to own up and face us in the post-mortem meeting,” Megat demanded.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has stated that a performance review of Malaysia’s contingent at the Paris Paralympics will be conducted after the conclusion of Le Tour de Langkawi 2024.
GISBH’s involvement with multiple global assets, including restaurants in Paris, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, has only intensified the scrutiny.
The company’s links to one of Malaysia’s most notorious banned movements have raised concerns over the appropriateness of its involvement in any government-related contracts, let alone those affecting the nation’s elite para-athletes.
Megat now hopes that the post-mortem meeting will shed light on these issues and ensure such incidents are not repeated. “We will ensure this is addressed in the post-mortem,” he said. — October 21, 2024