PUTRAJAYA: Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said he is confident in the competence of the police in handling the investigation into GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB).
He said actions must be pursued if it becomes clear that there have been exploitation of women and children, and sexual offences against children, or human trafficking.
"I fully support the actions taken by the police against GISB. If there is exploitation of women and children, and evidence exists, continue the investigation. If there are offences under the Penal Code, proceed. Or Under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act; continue.
"(If there is an offence) under ATIPSOM (Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007), open an investigation. If there are elements of forced labour, such as working without being paid, launch a probe," he told a press conference after the Home Ministry's monthly assembly.
Saifuddin added that apart from police, the National Registration Department also played a key role in the GISB case by identifying the identification documents of the children who have been rescued.
"Some from the Syariah Lawyers Association have raised questions regarding the legitimacy (of the children), but for us, their identification documents are their sufficient birth certificates.
"We just need to ensure they have proper identification documents before they can be brought into mainstream education and so on. That's our responsibility," he said.
Last week, the police confirmed that the investigation into GISB through Op Global was currently focused on tracing the flow of money, including assets within the country linked to the company.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain had said the process is expected to take time as it involves tracing assets and money transactions, both through the company's accounts as well as those of individuals.
Saifuddin said 80 investigation papers have been opened so far against GISB, involving four acts: the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, ATIPSOM 2007 and the Penal Code.
He added that 359 arrests have been made, and 592 GISBH children have been successfully rescued.
"Out of the 80 investigation papers that have been opened, the police and all agencies will naturally take time to complete and finalise the investigations before submitting them to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC). Whether there will be prosecutions or not, that decision lies with the AGC," he said.