KUALA LUMPUR: A joint task force involving police, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), and the Social Welfare Department is identifying businesses linked to GISB Sdn Bhd locally and abroad, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said efforts are underway to gather more detailed information on the company's activities and individuals or groups involved with GISB both within Malaysia and overseas.
"Regarding the statistical data on detailed numbers of GISB businesses overseas, we will work together with the police (to get the details) and will provide a breakdown of the number of local and international companies owned by GISB.
"A joint task force between the police, Jakim and the Social Welfare Department will also identify followers of GISB both within and outside the country," he said in response to Aminolhuda Hassan (PH-Sri Gading).
Aminolhuda, in his supplementary question, asked for clarification on the number of businesses owned by GISB internationally, as well as the number of its followers abroad.
On Saturday, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain told Skuad Khas Harian Metro that the force has identified 69 premises abroad, worth about RM52.4 million, belonging to GISB.
Razarudin said these assets are spread across 15 countries.
As of Oct 31, the police's strategic partners abroad have confirmed the location of 40 of these premises in four countries.
"We are in the process of confirming the location of 29 premises, believed to be in 11 countries, with our strategic partners," Razarudin was quoted as saying.
On Thursday, the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs declared GISB as deviant.
MKI Muzakarah Committee chairman Datuk Dr Nooh Gadut said the decision to declare GISB deviant was made following its meeting in September.
GISB had been under scrutiny following police raids on Sept 11, on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the organisation, which led to the rescue of 402 people, mostly children.