Nation

Pahang religious authority to help ex-GISB members, children

KUANTAN: Former GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISB) members who lost their source of income after business premises linked to the firm ceased operations following a major crackdown by authorities last month can seek help from Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (Muip).

Its deputy chief executive officer (Baitulmal and Operations) Dr Asmadi Abdul Rahman urged former GISB members not to shy away and instead go to the nearest Muip office to explain their predicament for assistance.

"Muip will assist former GISB members who were previously working at the business outlets owned by the firm and now lost their income. If their claims are genuine, the individuals can receive financial and other suitable aid arranged by the council.

"They have to first meet some conditions including not facing any court charges, no longer associated with GISB and must follow the rehabilitation programmes. After the former members register with the council, we will conduct investigations to verify their claims.

"Once the former members are under our care, other agencies including the Pahang Islamic Religious Department will monitor and visit them to ensure they can resume their lives without any hardship due to the loss of income. If required, counselling services will be arranged for them," he told reporters when met here today.

Meanwhile, Asmadi said Muip was committed in ensuring that former GISB members across Pahang can resume their normal daily lives without being put under pressure due to their previous links with GISB.

"We are concerned some of them might be scared to admit or come forward, and it might lead to untoward incidents. Neighbours or just anyone with information on former members can inform Muip for our team to go to the ground and investigate."

Asmadi said apart from adults, Muip were also assisting the children of the former members to attend formal lessons at schools.

"Most of them previously attended lessons at madrasah (religious school) owned by GISB but now Muip will ensure they receive mainstream education.

"Those keen to attend school can reach out to us and we can help them register, including providing the school items," he said.

On Oct 23,Asmadi said six siblings, who are the children of a former GISB member, will attend formal lessons at two secondary schools in Kuantan and Pekan next month.

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