POLICE may take action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) in its probe into Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), said Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
He said police was conducting a thorough and careful investigation into GISBH and using all applicable laws to probe the alleged offences uncovered so far in Op Global.
"We estimate that there are around 10,000 followers and members of GISBH nationwide.
He also said that the ongoing investigation uncovered the company's adherence to certain teachings originally established by Al-Arqam founder, Ashaari Muhammad.
"Police believe its followers are practising teachings of the deviant Al-Arqam movement based on the discovery of the banned Aurad Muhammadiah book and supplications or “zikir” that form the basis of their faith and worship of the cult’s leader Ashaari Muhammad.
“We believe, and from our intelligence and statements that we have received, GISBH still practises the teachings of the ‘Aurad Muhammadiah’ because there are ‘Abuya’ books and their own ‘zikir’,” he told a press conference.
Razarudin also said that police have rescued five children seen in viral videos being allegedly abused while under the care of a welfare home allegedly managed by GISBH.
In the first case, he said four siblings aged between six and 11 were rescued in Tapah, Perak during Phase 4 of Op Global.
Razarudin said police also saved a child who appeared in another viral video that showed him being stepped on.
Both cases are currently being investigated under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He also urged members of GISBH who have fled following raids under Op Global to come forward and seek assistance.
"Our main focus is to ensure that the welfare of individuals and their children is taken care of," he added. - September 23, 2024
