KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) has refuted claims that it had failed to address issues surrounding GISB Sdn Bhd.
Its director-general Datin Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the department had started taking action against GISB since Feb 2019.
She explained that besides holding 12 meetings, actions taken against GISB included workshops, special task forces, and national programmes involving security agencies such as the National Security Council, Home Ministry and the police.
Hakimah noted that a closed-door meeting with GISB was held in Sept 2019, involving the chairman of the National Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI) Muzakarah committee, the Attorney General's Chambers and a panel of experts from Jakim.
This meeting discussed GISBH-related issues through dialogue and proposed suitable solutions.
"In July 2022, a special meeting was held with national security agencies, including the National Security Council, police and Home Ministry on coordination on related issues," she said.
"This was followed by several discussions in August and a dialogue addressing allegations of deviation of faith, with further discussions involving the Selangor Religious Council and the Selangor Mufti Department."
Hakimah added that in February last year, another special meeting was held, between the Jakim experts panel, the police and former GISB followers.
"A meeting with GISB's chief executive officer, Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, was held in February this year to further investigate issues relating to faith, shariah, and Sufism issues within the group," she said in a statement today.
It was reported yesterday that issues related to GISB will be brought before the National Committee on Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia (MKI).
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the matter would be referred to the Jakim to address issues concerning faith.
He added that a special committee would also be established to conduct a thorough investigation and study of GISB's doctrines to eradicate deviant teachings.
Earlier, Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin said in a video that the GISB issue had been presented to various parties, including Jakim and enforcement authorities, but no action had been taken.
On Sept 11, police rescued 402 children from 20 homes connected to GISB during a raid, leading to 171 arrests.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the victims, who were locals, had endured various forms of exploitation and abuse including being sodomised.
On Sept 12, it was revealed that the 402 children rescued during the raids are believed to be the children of members of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd.
GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd has since denied the allegations and threatened legal action against those who defame the company.
Hakimah said that findings from the GISB investigation would be presented to the MKI and the Cabinet, with a request for the Council of Rulers' consent before being enacted at the state level for enforcement.
She emphasised that Jakim remains committed to dialogue, programmes, and thorough research on such issues, without compromising on matters affecting Islamic faith.
"Jakim, as the federal agency for Islamic affairs, is responsible for coordinating and standardising legal and doctrinal views on issues among Muslims.
"In accordance with the regulations, Jakim functions as the secretariat for MKI to advise the Council of Rulers on Islamic legal matters, Islamic affairs management, and religious education.
"This aims to improve, coordinate, and promote legal uniformity for the country's benefit," she added.