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Kelantan govt awaits full report before deciding on GISB premises closure

KOTA BARU: The Kelantan state government is awaiting a comprehensive report on the GISB Holdings (GISB) case before deciding whether to close all GISB-linked premises in the state.

Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzli Hassan said the state government is careful not to make premature decisions while investigations are ongoing.

"Even the managing director of GISB is waiting to be charged, so we will wait and see what happens, first.

"We have entrusted the GISB investigation to the authorities.

"If any violations of religious matters or other regulations are confirmed, we will take appropriate actions.

"For now, we will allow the police and religious affairs departments to conduct their investigations, and we shall wait for their findings," he told reporters at the Sultan Muhammad V's 55th birthday celebration in Istana Balai Besar.

He said there were several GISB-owned business premises, an educational institution and a hotel in the state.

Mohamed Fadzli was also asked about the involvement of state government staff or Pas supporters in GISB, which he firmly denied.

"No! No state government employees or Pas members are involved (with GISB). We are certain of this," he said.

Yesterday, it was reported that all GISB premises in Selangor had been ordered to close immediately and assets be confiscated.

Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari is expected to announce the total number of GISB-linked premises, including shelters and religious schools on Wednesday.

On Sept 11, police launched Op Global and raided 20 charitable organisation homes in Selangor and Negri Sembilan linked to GISB, amid allegations of child exploitation and religious misconduct.

Since the operation began, over 300 individuals, including senior management of GISB have been arrested, and 572 victims have been rescued in various states nationwide.

GISB has since denied the allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.

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