GISBH: 55 children returned to qualified guardians - minister

A total of 55 children rescued under Op Global, involving Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), were returned to their qualified guardians as of today, said Nancy Shukri.

The women, family, and community development minister said the children were returned following a court order.

“We must adhere to the court’s directive. We obtained custody of the children following court procedures, which allowed the children to be placed under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

“Subsequently, to release the children, we also need to seek court approval.

“JKM’s role is not to separate children from their parents; rather, our responsibility is to protect and care for the children,” Nancy said.

She was speaking during a press conference after officiating the National Conference on Ageing 2024, today.

Currently, 560 children - 283 boys and 277 girls - are housed in shelters after JKM secured a temporary custody order from the court for two months, under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

On Oct 20, Nancy reportedly said no children were returned to their parents, due to concerns over potential custody battles.

She emphasised the need for caution, noting that there are instances where both the mother and father of a child have filed separate applications, which could lead to additional complications.

Since Op Global Phase 1 began in early September, 415 individuals, including top management from GISBH, were arrested, and 625 victims aged between two months and 28 years have been rescued by the police.

Creating environment for sustainable ageing

Meanwhile, in her speech at the conference, Nancy said her ministry’s initiatives to enhance the well-being of seniors included financial assistance, institutional care through Rumah Seri Kenangan and Rumah Ehsan, and the establishment of Senior Citizen Activity Centres (PAWE).

“We are also focusing on the care economy, the Senior Citizens Bill, and the new National Policy for the Elderly (DWEN), which reflects a shift towards a five-dimensional approach to ageing: healthy, positive, active, productive, and supportive ageing.

“Therefore, I invite all parties - public, private, and civil society - to collaborate in creating a conducive environment for sustainable ageing in Malaysia,” she said.

The conference, themed “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide”, was organised by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing).

The programme was also in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to increase research in the field of ageing for the well-being of society.

- Bernama

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