PUTRAJAYA: Nearly 600 children have been rescued from care homes operated by GISB Holdings (GISB), as authorities have opened 80 investigation papers against the company, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Saifuddin revealed that 592 children have been rescued and 359 individuals associated with GISB have been detained in connection with the ongoing investigation.
“The inquiries into GISB are based on several legal frameworks, including the Child Act 2001 [Act 611], the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 and the Penal Code,” he stated.
He noted that finalising the investigations will take time before the police can submit their findings to the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC). “The decision on whether prosecutions will follow will ultimately rest with the AGC,” he added.
During a press conference at the Home Ministry’s office following their monthly meeting on Monday (Sept 30), Saifuddin expressed his full support for the police in their investigations. He expressed confidence in their competence, stating, “If there is evidence of the exploitation of women and children, or offences under the Penal Code or the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, please launch an investigation.”
