JOHOR BARU: There are no shelters or homes linked to Global Ikhwan Sdn Bhd (GISB) or its affiliates operating under its registration in Johor.
State Women, Family, and Community Development Committee chairman Khairin-Nisa Ismail @ Md On said thorough inspections are ongoing across all registered child shelters in the state.
"We are conducting detailed checks on other premises housing children, and appropriate action will be taken against any shelters found operating without registration," said Khairin-Nisa.
While no direct connection to GISBH has been confirmed, the Johor Social Welfare Department (JKM) has not ruled out the possibility that shelters linked to the organisation may be operating under different names or without proper registration.
The GISBH controversy has raised alarms following reports of child welfare violations in other states, namely Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Pahang.
Khairin-Nisa said a star-rating system has been implemented to tighten oversight of shelters.
The star-rating mechanism requires shelters and homes housing children, orphans, the underprivileged, and adults to meet JKM's stringent guidelines.
Those failing to meet the standards face immediate closure, and stern actions will be taken against their operators.
"There will be no compromise when it comes to child safety," Khairin-Nisa told the New Straits Times when contacted yesterday.
She added that JKM is working closely with the State Religious Department to ramp up inspections at both registered and unregistered tahfiz (religious schools), shelters, and homes to prevent any inappropriate activities.
Meanwhile, Skudai assemblyman Marina Ibrahim took to her Facebook page and other social media platforms to encourage the public to assist the authorities.
She urged residents in her constituency to report any suspicious activities related to registered or unregistered shelters to ensure there is no misconduct and that the children are safe.
"There are several bakeries and cafes associated with GISBH, but we have yet to find any shelters," she said.
She added that she is working closely with Khairin-Nisa and has been instructed to promptly report any suspicious shelter operations in her constituency to either Khairin-Nisa or JKM.
"It's challenging to pinpoint the exact locations of charity homes under GISBH, as most of them are unregistered.
"That's why we need more information from the public.
"Yesterday, I raised the issue with Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and the state executive council, and they are looking into it as well," she said when contacted.
The NST also contacted non-governmental organisations operating in Johor.
A volunteer who preferred to remain anonymous said NGOs in the state are now collaborating to identify unregistered shelters.
"Volunteers have highlighted that some shelter operators have found loopholes to avoid registering their shelters with the Welfare Department.
"They instead register the shelters or homes as education centres under the Companies Commission (SSM), the Religious Department, or the Ministry of Education, creating blind spots in Welfare's enforcement.
"Many of these shelters are registered as religious schools, but in reality, they function as childcare centres, which fall under different regulatory acts," the volunteer told NST today.
This loophole has complicated enforcement actions, as JKM is restricted from inspecting premises registered under the Ministry of Education or religious authorities, limiting their jurisdiction.
The public must be aware of their responsibility to help rescue children by reporting suspicious houses.