In a recent child abuse probe known as Ops Global, 156 individuals were detained by the Malaysian police, with one member having four wives and 34 children. However, he only had two children with him at the time of his arrest, and the whereabouts of the other 32 children were unknown. The group comprised 80 men and 76 women, with various age ranges represented among them, from 18 to over 65 years old, indicating a wide demographic of individuals involved in the case.
As part of the operation, a total of 187 children were rescued on Saturday, with 100 boys and 87 girls being removed from potential harm. The children rescued were divided into different age groups, with 59 being below the age of five, 75 between six and twelve, 40 aged 13 to 17, and 13 who were 18 or older. This brought the total number of children saved since September 11 to 572, indicating the scale of the issue and the potential risk to many young individuals who were involved with the group.
The Malaysian police chief, Mr. Razarudin, stated that the rescued children have been placed in 11 safe houses by the Social Welfare Department, ensuring their safety and protection from any further harm. The Ministry of Education has also initiated an educational program for over 300 of the rescued children starting on October 1, emphasizing the importance of providing support and resources for these vulnerable individuals. Investigations have shown that most of the rescued children are believed to be offspring of GISB members, highlighting the impact of the group’s practices on young individuals.
The police chief noted that GISB has around 10,000 followers, including children across Malaysia. Initial investigations revealed that the group’s followers are still following the teachings of the Al-Arqam sect, which was declared deviant in 1994. This indicates that the group’s beliefs and practices may be harmful or dangerous, leading to further scrutiny and intervention by authorities to protect the public, especially vulnerable individuals such as children. The ongoing probe and rescues conducted under Ops Global demonstrate the efforts of law enforcement to address child abuse and protect those at risk within the community.
The large number of children rescued and the involvement of individuals from various age groups in the group highlight the complexity and scope of the child abuse probe, underscoring the need for a coordinated and comprehensive response to address the issue. The efforts of law enforcement, social welfare agencies, and the Ministry of Education to rescue, protect, and support the rescued children demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and promoting their well-being. By removing children from harmful environments, placing them in safe houses, and providing educational programs, authorities are taking steps to break the cycle of abuse and prevent further harm to young individuals.
As investigations continue into GISB and its followers, it is crucial for authorities to uncover the extent of the group’s activities, the impact on its members and their families, and the potential risks posed to society. By addressing the root causes of child abuse, promoting awareness, and implementing protective measures, law enforcement and social services can work together to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially children. The ongoing efforts under Ops Global serve as a reminder of the importance of cooperation, vigilance, and proactive intervention in addressing child abuse and protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
