By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 18 — The Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) has found that 231 individuals involved in GISB Holdings (GISBH) Sdn Bhd lack official marriage records despite claiming to have been wedded.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah revealed that checks by Jais through the national marriage registration system and other government platforms showed that out of the 231 claiming to be married, only 100 had proper marital documentation.
“From a legal enforcement perspective, Jais will take action regarding violations of shariah laws and regulations in the state.
“Among the matters that can be investigated are offences under Section 12(c) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995, which pertains to fatwa violations, and investigations related to the marriages of GISBH members under the Selangor Islamic Family Law Enactment 2003,” he told the Selangor State Legislative Assembly when answering a question by Seri Serdang assemblyman Abbas Salimmi Che Adzmi@Azmi about what the state government and other authorities are doing to help those who were rescued from or involved in GISBH.
Fahmi also said Jais has interviewed 438 children linked to GISBH, aged between 12 and 17, across several states including Selangor, Penang, Johor, and Negeri Sembilan.
The move aims to assist in legal action against suspects while assessing the children’s condition.
“We have conducted a more detailed screening process to assess the degree of severity among these children and their alignment with the ideologies propagated by GISBH,” he said, adding that only 10 to 15 per cent of the children showed significant ideological influence, with the majority deemed fit for reintegration with their families.
“A children’s court will be established to facilitate this process. Those who are not severely affected will be returned to their parents, subject to specific conditions outlined by the Royal Malaysia Police. These include assurances that the children have not been influenced by the group’s ideologies,” he explained.
[caption id="attachment_380232" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah addresses the Selangor State Legislative Assembly at Wisma DNS, Shah Alam, on November 18, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Fahmi said periodic visits and assessments will be conducted to ensure their reintegration is successful, adding that children could be recalled for further intervention if necessary.
In a broader effort to rehabilitate former GISBH members, Fahmi said the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), in collaboration with Jais and the Islamic Development Department, has launched structured 90-day rehabilitation programmes from October 14.
He said the programmes include faith recovery sessions, vocational training, and academic support for affected children.
Additionally, he said Jais is investigating violations under Section 12(c) of the Selangor Syariah Criminal Enactment 1995, which relates to contravening fatwas in the state.
Fahmi also revealed that the faith rehabilitation programme, which runs both voluntarily and through court orders, has placed 11 ex-GISBH members in rehabilitation homes as of November 7, with participants undergoing recovery and skills training under Mais’ Istitabah Module.
