By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Sept 21 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has ordered for the immediate closure of all unregistered charitable homes and Islamic schools under Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) and its network, or those suspected of being involved in any criminal activities.
His Royal Highness said this in a statement today, expressing his deep sorrow over the criminal activities involving GISBH that have been taking place in the state.
"Various evidence has been found pointing to suspected criminal offences that are believed to have been committed, including abuse of students, exploitation of children, forced labour and sexual crimes like sodomy, in GISBH shelter homes.
“Offences related to practices that contradict the Islamic faith were also detected and suspected to have been committed at several premises. All these criminal acts have tarnished the good name and sanctity of Islam,” he said today.
Sultan Sharafuddin said the order for closure of GISBH premises in Selangor is necessary to prevent more children from being abused and exploited.
“The Selangor State Fatwa Committee has also been instructed to review and examine whether the practices of GISBH are deviant or in contradiction with the true teachings of Islam.”
His Royal Highness also expressed regret and disappointment that the unregistered shelter homes belonging to GISBH have been allowed to operate in Selangor for years without any action.
“We must acknowledge the fact that the delay in addressing this issue reflects weaknesses in monitoring and law enforcement by religious agencies concerning charitable homes and Islamic schools linked to GISBH and its networks.
“This has allowed the matter to escalate to such a serious and uncontrollable level,” he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin said realising the gravity of the issue, he had summoned for a meeting recently with the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman, Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) director, state police chief and several Mais members to identify immediate actions that needed to be taken to address the issue.
Following the meeting, the State Ruler said he had decreed that all Selangor Islamic religious agencies, together with the police, cooperate to take serious steps to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that all parties directly and indirectly involved in the criminal offences are prosecuted.
“In conclusion, I would like to remind all parties, especially the religious authorities, to take this issue seriously, particularly when it involves children and the suspected heretical teachings practised.
“Immediate and firm action, without any compromise, must be taken under the law against any parties committing crimes against children and practices that contradict the faith, in order to uphold the sanctity of Islam.
“I do not want us to be merely seen as ‘empty cans’, meaning that we only talk but produce no results. We must adhere to the principle of ‘walk the talk’ or ‘putting our words into action’.”
Meanwhile, Sultan Sharafuddin urged parents and guardians who send their children to religious schools or charitable care centres to verify their backgrounds to avoid involvement with unregistered institutions that implement questionable programmes and teachings.
“It is essential to ensure that these children receive proper education and care, thereby preventing neglect and exploitation. Remember, these children are a trust from Allah, and it is the responsibility of parents and guardians to shape a good future for them.”
