SEREMBAN: The Islamic Development Department (Jakim) will initiate a comprehensive plan in collaboration with related agencies to address the issue of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB), which is alleged to be exploiting children and religion.
This includes assisting victims, especially children rescued from charitable homes linked to GISB by authorities through Op Global, which began on Sept 11.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Dr Zulkifli Hasan said the primary focus was to ensure the welfare and faith of children, teenagers and women involved with GISB.
"The machinery and operations have already begun, based on a comprehensive plan, and will work in tandem with all relevant agencies, including at the state level, to ensure harmony and address this issue (GISB) thoroughly.
"Alhamdulillah, many parties, including non-governmental organisations, have offered their services from various perspectives to collaborate with us (Jakim)."
He spoke to the media after officiating the 8th International Human Sustainability Conference at Klana Resort here today.
Also present was Universiti Tun Hussein Onn vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Ruzairi Abdul Rahim.
Meanwhile, Zulkifli welcomed the readiness of the Malaysian Syariah Lawyers Association (PGSM) to offer legal aid and rehabilitation services to women and children, who are victims of the GISB-related issue.
"Alhamdulillah, we are grateful to PGSM, and indeed many parties have expressed their willingness to offer their services."
Yesterday, PGSM president Musa Awang in a statement said the association was willing to provide legal and rehabilitation assistance to women and children, who are victims in the GISB case.
Musa said the assistance and cooperation include providing syariah legal advice, submitting applications to the Syariah Court regarding the confirmation of marriage status, verification of children's lineage, child custody rights by relatives, and more.
Commenting further on the operations of the state religious authorities and the police investigation, which believe that some within GISB are still practising the Aurad Muhammadiah teachings, Zulkifli said the public should wait for further investigation from the authorities.
"We need to refer to the authorities conducting the investigation (for confirmation), and for now, let the authorised parties issue a statement on it."
Earlier, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said there was a possibility that Aurad Muhammadiah teachings were being practised, following the discovery of related books and pamphlets during police raids on GISB premises.