By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Jan 9 — The aqidah of 124 children rescued from GISB Holdings (GISBH) welfare homes in September is being restored, with the kids returning to true religious teachings.
State executive councillor for Islam and innovation Dr Fahmi Ngah said there are no longer practices such as praying once a day with 17 rakaat among the children, which they did when they were first in custody.
“That was their practice, to pray once a day combining all rakaat from Subuh to Isyak. We did not set a target; we just want to put them on the right path.
“They were also so obsessed with Abuya that they wouldn’t allow us to change their clothes or kopiah as they believed the attire was imbued with Abuya’s blessings. This has changed, and they are communicating well,” he said.
Fahmi said the custody of the kids, aged between 12 and 18, ends this month, and his office will apply for an extension from the courts if needed.
He added that children still at the safehouse have not been claimed by their families, believed to be GISBH members.
“Physically, they are doing positively. Monitoring by the Health Ministry is ongoing. We ensure they receive proper nutrition for balanced growth.”
On September 10, police raided 20 GISBH premises in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan on suspicions that the group was involved in human trafficking.
Through Op Global, 402 children aged one to 17 were rescued, believed to have been exploited, neglected, or abused.
To oversee the victims, the state government established a task force comprising the Selangor Islamic Religious Department, Selangor Islamic Religious Council, police, State Education Department, Social Welfare Department, State Health Department, Selangor Zakat Board, Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Foundation, Selgate Foundation, Selangor State Taska Association, and private and non-governmental agencies.
