HIS Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor, has expressed disappointment and regret that religious authorities did not act earlier against unregistered welfare homes run by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) operating in Selangor.
In an official statement from Istana Alam Shah in Klang, Sultan Sharafuddin ordered all unregistered charity homes and Islamic schools in Selangor under GISBH and its network suspected of being involved in any criminal activities to be immediately closed.
This, he said, was a preventive measure to protect children from further abuse.
"The organisation's network is so vast that this issue has become serious and out of control and I wish to remind all parties, especially religious enforcement, to take the GISBH issue seriously as it involves children and deviationist teachings practised by them," he said.
The Selangor ruler said that based on reports he received, most of the charity homes under GISBH have been operating for a long time in several states, particularly in Selangor, without registration as required by current laws.
"I do not want us to be empty vessels who are only good at talking but show no results. We need to adhere to the principles of walking the talk or putting words into action."
He also said he had summoned the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department director, the Selangor Police chief, and several other Mais members to a meeting to obtain complete information on the matter, and to identify immediate steps that need to be taken.
"I also advise parents and guardians sending their children to religious schools or charity care centres to check the background of these institutions.
"This action is essential to avoid becoming entangled with unregistered schools and care centres that implement dubious programs and teachings.
"The aim is to ensure that children are educated and cared for appropriately, while also preventing neglect and exploitation," he added. - September 21, 2024
