JOHOR BARU: The Johor Islamic Religious Department is investigating potential links between Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) and the banned Aurad Muhammadiyah teachings, as well as the veneration of their former leader.
Johor State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Mohd Fared Mohd Khalid said that federal police's Op Global raids targeted centres suspected of being affiliated with GISB in Johor Baru, Mersing, Kota Tinggi, Kluang, and Segamat over the past week.
The raids focused on welfare centres and educational institutions associated with GISB.
During the operations, authorities discovered both old and new books linked to Aurad Muhammadiyah, along with photographs of the sect's former leader.
The Aurad Muhammadiyah sect refers to a set of recitations (wirid) compiled by Kiyai Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah As Suhaimi, practised by the Muhammadiyah order.
In Malaysia, the Al-Arqam group distorted these practices, leading to a government ban in 1994.
Mohd Fared said that if the council's investigations confirm a connection between the materials found and Aurad Muhammadiyah, further action would be taken under the Johor Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment 2003.
"The books are believed to be connected to Aurad Muhammadiyah, but we have yet to establish any concrete links. Investigations are ongoing, so we cannot formally classify the materials discovered; however, they have raised concerns," he said at a press conference during a hi-tea event for business zakat payers, organised by the Johor Islamic Religious Council.
"The state Islamic Religious Council's research division will conduct a detailed study, which may take some time. The photographs found suggested an element of idolisation of their former leader, which is alarming and concerning," he added.
Mohd Fared said that the aim of the investigation was not to dismantle the group but to ensure its activities aligned with legal and societal norms.
"This is not about dismantling an Islamic congregation, but rather about correcting actions that do not comply with laws and societal expectations, especially concerning the welfare of children and the elderly," he said.
The state religious department is closely collaborating with the Islamic Development Department (Jakim) regarding GISB-related matters to ensure that decisions concerning their teachings are made with careful consideration.
"We're not trying to persecute anyone; we want to safeguard the faith and welfare of all, especially the vulnerable," Mohd Fared said.
The department will continue to monitor premises affiliated or linked to GISB.
However, he assured that legally managed GISB businesses would not face disruption as long as they comply with the law.
Meanwhile, at the same event, Mohd Fared accepted RM937,856.30 in business zakat contributions from 10 companies.
He said that the state's zakat collections as of Aug 31 amounted to RM254.97 million.