GISB-linked children’s return to families, rehab the priority, says Mohd Na’im

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is prioritising returning children linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) who are undergoing rehabilitation to their families, says Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) said this is part of the government’s long-term solution to rehabilitate the children linked to GISB.

“Taking into account the long-term trauma faced by the children, among the actions taken by the government is the rehabilitation model which comprises faith-related rehabilitation, counselling, patriotism education, and skills education.

“The ministry fully supports the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry’s priority to return the children to their parents and family.

“With commitment from various parties, we will ensure the children are not left out and able to rejoin the community,” he told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 18).

Na’im was replying to a supplementary question by Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar) on the government’s long-term measures to address the trauma faced by the children whose parents were involved in deviant teachings linked to GISB.

Na’im also added other measures including monitoring the children’s development periodically and continuously together with the Welfare Department.

“The involvement of community and non-government organisations is needed to ensure social support for the children,” he added.

As of Oct 24, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said 55 children linked to GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) have been returned to their verified guardians.

Currently, a total of 560 children – 283 boys and 277 girls – are housed in shelters after the department secured a temporary custody order from the court for two months, under Section 25(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

On Oct 20, Nancy reportedly said that no children have been returned to their parents, due to concerns over potential custody battles.

Since Ops Global Phase 1 began in early September, a total of 415 individuals, including top management from GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd, have been arrested, and 625 victims aged between two months and 28 years have been rescued by the police.