By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 27 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) today strongly criticised GISB Holdings (GISBH) in its Friday sermon, which was delivered at mosques statewide, following recent revelations of GISBH’s alleged child abuse and exploitation.
The religious authority expressed concern that children previously under GISBH’s care might keep to the group’s deviant teachings, which would deeply damage their faith.
Jais then pointed out that the rights of children to be raised in a safe and nurturing environment are enshrined in Islam.
“The suspected abuse and neglect of children is deeply saddening. Why has GISBH resorted to such actions? GISBH must understand that children have rights that must be respected and upheld.
“Children have the right to be treated with dignity, fairness and kindness. They also have the right to live in a safe and secure environment, free from heinous crimes such as molestation, sodomy, abuse, forced marriage and divorce, forced labour, and separation from their parents.
“Some were even made to falsely claim they are orphans,” it said today.
Jais said it was highly inappropriate of GISBH to not only neglect proper care for the children, but also treat them cruelly and deny them access to mainstream education.
“This appears to be an attempt to isolate the children from the outside world. Additionally, (GISBH) deliberately intended to exploit the ‘blood and sweat’ of innocent children for its own benefit.
“Ultimately, some of these children may end up becoming followers and enablers of GISBH’s misguided beliefs and worldly interests. In essence, these children were being treated as slaves for the supremacy of their leaders.”
Jais’ strong rebuke today came after police uncovered cases of child abuse and exploitation as well as deviant teaching in GISBH’s network, including welfare homes, schools and retail businesses.
Authorities rescued 402 children, aged one to 17, during the Op Global raid on 20 GISBH-linked premises on September 10, while hundreds of people have been arrested since to assist in investigations.
Jais reminded Muslims that caring for children is a responsibility, not a means for oppression or exploitation, stressing that children have the right to education, safety, dignity and respect.
“Islam demands that its followers, including GISBH, take proper care of children and fulfil their rights.
“It is essential to provide them with basic necessities such as clothing, food, shelter, protection and safety. Uphold their dignity and honour, give them attention, and shower them with love and care. Do not subject them to any form of violence or cruelty, as Islam strictly forbids such actions.”
Last Saturday, Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj ordered state religious authorities and police to take prompt action against GISBH.
His Royal Highness said all GISBH-linked welfare homes and religious schools that are unregistered or suspected of being involved in syariah crime must be shuttered, and urged the Selangor Fatwa Committee to look into the group’s activities.
