KUALA LUMPUR: The tactic of GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) operating under a legal facade has delayed the government's efforts to detect its misconduct that happened since the Al-Arqam ban in 1994.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs), Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said in a Parliamentary written reply that it was no easy task to conduct a comprehensive and thorough investigation on the group's activities.
"The process of gathering credible and legally verifiable evidence demands meticulous scrutiny, especially in addressing practices that are concealed behind other seemingly lawful activities.
"This process would be simpler if the teachings in question were obvious in their violations against Islamic teachings; or if there were solid evidences against their practices," he said in the written reply published on Parliament's website.
He was responding to Suhaizan Kaiat (PH-Pulai) who asked why government's action against GISBH was delayed, and the exact number involved in the group's network and the plans to manage them.
Elaborating, Na'im said the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) operates within the scope of its functions without overstepping the roles of other authorities.
"However, cooperation, advisory support and consultations with federal and state authorities are ongoing to ensure the process runs smoothly and effectively."
He said it was estimated that there are about 10,500 GISBH members, with 9,000 of them believed to be in Malaysia.
"To manage this group, the government has prepared a recovery action plan for GISBH members, including the rehabilitation of GISBH children placed in care centres under the Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) and other relevant agencies.
"In addition, a voluntary rehabilitation plan is also available for GISBH members willing to attend rehabilitation sessions voluntarily, implemented in cooperation with the National Security Council, State Islamic Councils and Departments and other relevant agencies," he added.
GISB's case shocked the nation when police announced on Sept 11 that they had rescued 402 minors from alleged exploitation in a major operation across two states.
The victims, aged between one and 17, were allegedly exploited at 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said the victims, who were locals, had endured various forms of exploitation and abuse including being sodomised.
There were 201 boys and 201 girls from 18 charity homes in Selangor and two in Negri Sembilan.
On Oct 23, GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd chairman and chief executive officer Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and his wife, Datin Azura Md Yusof, were charged at the Selayang Sessions Court with being members of an organised criminal group.