CSO Platform for Reform has called for greater oversight of all schools and boarding houses run by private or religious groups, in the wake of the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) controversy.

In a statement, the civil society group stressed that children’s best interests must always be paramount.

“CSO Platform for Reform believes this case should serve as a wake-up call for enforcement agencies to increase monitoring and investigation of institutions tasked with caring for children, especially when police reports have been made since 2011 against GISBH.

“There is a need for greater oversight for all such schools/boarding houses run by private actors or religious groups to be fully managed under the law.

“We call for monitoring and regulating such institutions, ensuring they provide safe, nurturing environments for children,” it said today.

CSO Platform for Reform includes Pusat Komas, Suaram, and Bersih, among others.

On Sept 11, the police raided 20 charity homes run by GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan through Op Global. They rescued 402 children and teenagers aged one to 17 who were suspected of being victims of exploitation.

Since then, hundreds of suspects have also been rounded up, and several charged.

Protect children from harm

CSO Platform for Reform added that efforts should be made to ensure no child under institutional care is subjected to such harmful conditions again.

“Under the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Malaysia is obliged to ensure the protection, care, and respect of children’s rights, free from violence, exploitation, or harm.

“The survivors of these alleged abuses must be given comprehensive care, including access to medical, psychological, and social support services to aid their recovery,” it said.

The group also urged the authorities to refrain from detaining individuals linked to the GISBH case under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) 2012.

A similar call was made by former PKR MP Maria Chin Abdullah yesterday.

COMMENT | When religion becomes a shield for exploitation

COMMENT | When religion becomes a shield for exploitation

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