KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has ordered all unregistered charity homes and Islamic schools in Selangor under GISB Holdings (GISBH) and its network suspected of being involved in any criminal activities to be immediately closed.
In an official statement from Istana Alam Shah in Klang, Sultan Sharafuddin said this was a preventive measure to protect children from further abuse.
"As a preventive measure to protect children from further abuse, I have ordered that all unregistered charity homes and Islamic schools under the control of GISBH and its network, suspected of being involved in any criminal activities including syariah offences, must be immediately closed and prohibited from operating in Selangor," the Sultan decreed.
The Selangor ruler said according to reports he received, most of the charity homes under GISBH have been operating for a long time in several states, particularly in Selangor, without registration as required by current laws.
He also said he had summoned the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) chairman, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department director, the Selangor Police chief, and several other Mais members to a meeting to obtain complete information on the matter, and to identify immediate steps that need to be taken.
"Following the meeting, I have directed that all Islamic religious agencies in Selangor, namely Mais, Jais, the Selangor Mufti Department, and the Selangor Syariah Prosecution Department along with the police (Selangor contingent and Bukit Aman) to collaborate and take serious steps to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that all those directly and indirectly involved in these criminal offences are brought to justice."
He also urged the Selangor Fatwa Committee to review and examine the practices of GISBH to determine whether they deviated from or contradicted the true teachings of Islam.
Sultan Sharafuddin also expressed disappointment over the reports of criminal activities by GISBH.
"Various evidence points to suspected criminal activities such as abuse of students, exploitation of children, forced labour, and sexual offences including sodomy, occurring in several charity homes and Islamic schools under GISBH's control.
"Practices contrary to Islamic faith have also been detected and are suspected to be taking place at several GISBH premises. All these criminal acts tarnish the reputation and sanctity of Islam."
He expressed regret and disappointment that the situation had persisted for so long without any effective action to address it.
"We must accept the reality that the delay in addressing this issue indicates weaknesses in monitoring and enforcement by religious agencies concerning charity homes and Islamic schools associated with GISBH and its network, allowing this matter to become so serious and uncontrolled.
He advised parents and guardians sending their children to religious schools or charity care centres to check the background of these institutions.
"This action is essential to avoid becoming entangled with unregistered schools and care centres that implement dubious programs and teachings.
"The aim is to ensure that children are educated and cared for appropriately, while also preventing neglect and exploitation."