PUTRAJAYA: The separation of children linked Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) from their parents was deemed necessary to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister explained that the investigations are following legal procedures, with a particular focus on the exploitation of women and children.
"When police conducted the rescues, they adhered to 11 laws, and the scope of the investigation continues to expand," he stated.
"Our primary concern is the exploitation of women and children, including potential sexual abuse of minors under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017," he said during a meeting with media editors-in-chief on Friday (Oct 11).
His comments were in response to reports that six lawyers are preparing to present evidence in court to argue that the separation of children from their parents linked to GISBH is unlawful.
Saifuddin Nasution underscored that the police are conducting the GISBH investigations with utmost transparency and caution, considering the significant public interest involved.
"So far, we have returned 70 children to their families. However, some children remain separated as investigations are ongoing.
"If parents wish to meet their children before the completion of the investigation, the police will address those requests accordingly," he assured.
On Thursday (Oct 10), 16 individuals, including senior management members of GISB, were re-arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (SOSMA) concerning allegations of child exploitation and indoctrination of religious fanaticism.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain reported that a total of 58 individuals have been detained under the Act since the initiation of Ops Global in September.
During the operation, police arrested 415 individuals and rescued 625 victims, aged between two months and 28 years old. – Bernama
