KUALA LUMPUR: The authorities are resolving identification issues faced by children rescued during the investigation of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB), says the Home Minister.
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told the Dewan Rakyat that among the 625 children rescued, many were found to lack proper documentation.
"There are those without a birth certificate or MyKad, some who were registered late, and some who are categorised as stateless," he said on Tuesday (Oct 15) in his explanatory statement on GISB.
Saifuddin said it was the government's responsibility to not only resolve this issue but also to consider the future of the affected children.
“It is crucial for the government, while conducting the investigation, to rectify the situation and provide these children with a legitimate identity," he said.
ALSO READ: Parliament to debate GISB issue on Oct 14
Resolving their identification is also essential to reintegrate the children into the education system, he added.
The minister said the investigation had also extended overseas, uncovering instances of tax evasion, and Malaysian police were liaising with their counterparts in various countries.
"When police expanded their investigation into GISB's business entities abroad, spanning 18 countries, the non-payment of taxes and wages was identified as a serious offence in those jurisdictions," Saifuddin said.
Also providing explanatory statements on the GISB case in the Dewan Rakyat were Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri.
A total of 12 MPs are set to debate on a special motion on the GISB investigation.
