The prosecution reported that authorities had conducted a raid after receiving information about abuse. They seized a cane and a mobile phone containing a video of the suspect striking a child. The suspect, Barur, was separately charged with abusing two boys aged 11 and 10 by caning them on their palms. He was also charged with abusing a 10-year-old by kneeing him on his chest and caning him in June and September of the same year.
Deputy public prosecutor Kalmizah Salleh requested the court to impose a maximum sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused and a deterrent to society. She mentioned that the accused’s acts of abuse on the children were excessive and caused injuries, leading to public uproar. Barur, who did not have a lawyer, expressed remorse and stated that he would not repeat his actions. He asked for a lighter sentence due to his young age, unmarried status, and the fact that he supports his parents.
In a separate case, Malaysia’s Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs announced that his ministry had issued compounds amounting to RM4.4 million against 12 GISB-linked companies for not submitting their annual statements and financial statements. This action followed investigations by the Companies Commission of Malaysia. The minister mentioned that 17 other companies used the GISB name in their registration, with around 201 businesses possibly linked to GISB based on data and websites.
GISB Holdings, a Muslim conglomerate with global assets of approximately RM325 million, has supermarkets, bakeries, restaurants, and other businesses in various countries. The company is suspected to have close ties to the banned Al Arqam sect in Malaysia. On Sep 11, authorities rescued 402 children and teenagers from care homes allegedly owned by GISB, with initial investigations revealing instances of abuse and molestation. The number of rescued individuals has since risen to 572, with over 300 people, including GISB’s senior management, detained.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the authorities are working diligently to uncover GISB’s alleged misconducts and that he will not compromise on the probe. The investigations are ongoing to address the issues surrounding GISB and its involvement in the abuse and exploitation of children and teenagers in care homes. The government is committed to ensuring justice for the victims and holding those responsible for the abuses accountable.
