KUALA MUDA: Kedah police are stepping up their investigations into GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd's (GISB) activities within the state, following recent crackdowns on it in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh confirmed the probes were concentrated in Padang Terap, Kubang Pasu and Kuala Muda, where GISB's operations were under scrutiny.
"We are gathering information, especially in districts where many of its activities take place such as Kuala Muda, Kubang Pasu and Padang Terap.
"We have identified schools, restaurants, daycare centres and other premises operated by GISB," he told reporters during a Town Hall session with the Tanjung Dawai community.
Fisol added that there have been no reports of child exploitation or abuse received from the public in Kedah following the recent crackdowns.
"However, we are thoroughly investigating the details, similar to what happened in other states, and we will continue to do so in Kedah," he said.
On Tuesday, it was reported police rescued 402 minors from alleged exploitation during the massive crackdown in Selangor and Negri Sembilan.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said the children, aged between one and 17, were allegedly exploited and abused.
He said 171 individuals, including caretakers, religious teachers and chairmen of the premises, were arrested during the raids.
On another matter, Fisol reported a 40 per cent reduction in rape cases in the state over the past year.
"A majority of them, around 95 per cent, involved statutory rape," he added.