KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian authorities have rescued 402 children from 20 welfare homes across Selangor and Negri Sembilan in a major operation, revealing disturbing allegations of abuse, including sodomy and forced sexual assaults.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain announced on September 11 that the rescued children, ranging from ages one to 17, were subjected to severe mistreatment. Some were reportedly sodomized by their caregivers and coerced into performing similar acts on others. Additionally, many of the children endured physical abuse, including burns from hot objects.
The operation, codenamed Op Global, also uncovered instances where sick children were denied medical treatment, leading to critical health conditions.
The raid led to the arrest of 171 individuals, including an ustaz, or Islamic religious teacher. The suspects’ ages span from 17 to 64. The welfare homes are connected to the Global Ikhwan Group (GISB), a Muslim conglomerate involved in various industries including hospitality and real estate. GISB, established in 2010, succeeded the Arqam Group, which was banned by the Malaysian government in 1994 for its controversial teachings.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay revealed that the organization used religious sentiments to attract donations under the guise of charitable work. “The modus operandi was to set up welfare homes to collect donations, exploiting religious feelings to gain public sympathy,” said Tan Sri Razarudin. The investigation into the abuse and the operations of the welfare homes is ongoing.