BANGI: Police have launched an investigation into a company over its alleged involvement in a child exploitation case, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said.
Ayob Khan also confirmed that four police reports were lodged in Selangor against the company.
He also said the police is in the process of compiling statistics on the number of reports lodged around the country against the company.
"We have received reports against the company, with the latest four in Selangor.
"The case is being investigated under Section 32(a) of the Child Act 2001 (for for exploiting children for fundraising activities).
"The reports were received recently. The investigation is related to the exploitation of children for donation funds and other activities," he said at a press conference after attending the Undergrad Police Volunteer Reserve Corps passing-out parade at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia here today.
Present was Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan.
The New Straits Times has reached out to the company via email for comments.
Ayob Khan said investigations revealed that the company's modus operandi was to set up welfare home to collect donations.
"There is also information suggesting that they do not contribute to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), do not pay salaries, and impose quarantine measures if members commit minor offences.
"Their members come from all walks of life, including professionals. Their influence is widespread," he said.
Ayob said that, according to lists released by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department and state Islamic religious departments, 154 deviant teachings are currently being monitored.
"However, according to reports by (the Bukit Aman) Special Branch, there are 114 (deviant teachings), of which, 14 are active.
"Out of these (the 14 active deviant teachings) and eight including the company are being monitored following reports that we received," he said.
Ayob said from 2022 to August this, 80 police reports have been filed concerning deviant teachings, leading to the arrest of 122 people.
"This is an ongoing process and we will continue to monitor it.
"We will work closely with state religious departments and Jakim to ensure we tackle and address deviant teachings, which may eventually involve dealing with extremist issues," he said.
Yesterday, it was reported that Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar confirmed that there will be an engagement session with representatives from the company.