GISBH followers lack resources to flee the country, says IGP

Police believe that Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) followers are still in the country because they lack the financial means to escape to neighbouring countries like Thailand.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the followers’ finances were controlled by GISBH leaders, who were recently arrested and had their accounts frozen.

"The top leadership of GISBH has been arrested, so those below them (followers) cannot flee. GISBH followers are hiding (in the country) because they have no money, no salaries, or any other means to escape," he told Bernama.

Furthermore, they do not have places to seek refuge in Thailand.

"Even if they escape to Thailand, where would they go? The police have detained five top GISBH leaders, so I don't see them heading there (to Thailand)."

He said police intelligence and investigations indicated that no GISBH followers have fled to the country's borders.

Razarudin confirmed claims that premises such as laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISBH in several states have changed their signage after police raids.

"Yes, many GISBH establishments have changed their signboards. We have identified them and are investigating this matter," he said, adding that police are investigating the case from various angles.

Intensifying operations

Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Maik) said it would intensify operations to raid GISBH premises, including those connected to the founder of the banned Al-Arqam, the late Ashaari Muhammad.

"We are assisting police and the Kelantan Islamic Affairs Department by searching for written materials that point to Ashaari," said a Maik spokesperson.

A Bernama survey this morning found premises such as laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISBH in Kota Bharu, Tumpat and Gua Musang have closed and ceased operations.

A hotel with GISBH signage in Kota Bharu has also changed its name.

In addition, checks at a charitable home and school linked to GISBH in Gong Kulim, Pasir Puteh, which was raided by police yesterday, found that it was sealed off with yellow police tape and vacant.

Ten horse stables at the location have also been emptied, with the horses believed to have been moved elsewhere.

Four suspects remanded

Four individuals allegedly linked to GISBH have been remanded for three days beginning today to help in police investigations.

Magistrate Ahmad Syafiq Aizat Nazri issued the remand order for the four males, aged 15 to 45, at the Kota Bharu Court Complex today.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 8(2) of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

On Sept 11, police rescued 402 children and teenagers from 20 charitable homes allegedly linked to GISBH in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, who were suspected of being victims of labour and sexual exploitation.

The police operations dubbed Op Global uncovered cases of neglect and abuse, leading to the arrest of several individuals connected to GISBH.

- Bernama

COMMENT | When religion becomes a shield for exploitation

GISBH: Easy to detect abuse if you know what to look for, Zaid tells S'gor MB

Evaluating kids rescued from GISBH homes takes time - Fadhlina

Companies commission reviewing GISBH business registration: Armizan