By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Aug 27 — The government has launched a coordinated crackdown on the banned group Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH), combining strict enforcement with a rehabilitation programme for its followers.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said a standard operating procedure is currently being drafted to strengthen early intervention and prevent the emergence of similar movements.
The government is also stepping up nationwide monitoring to stop any attempts by GISBH to rebrand or resume operations, with the police assisting in surveillance and outreach efforts.
Public awareness programmes have also been launched through seminars and community engagement to explain the fatwa declaring GISBH as deviant and avoid confusion among the public.
Dr Zaliha said to date, eight states, Perlis, Selangor, Pahang, Melaka, Sabah, Penang, Johor and the Federal Territories, have gazetted such fatwas.
This is in tandem with the National Fatwa Council’s ruling last September, with other states in the process of issuing similar edicts.
“Continuous enforcement and prosecution under state syariah laws are underway, with several state religious departments completing investigations to charge suspected members in the Syariah Court,” she said in a written parliamentary reply dated yesterday.
On rehabilitation, Zaliha said a pilot programme for voluntary participation began last November under the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais), using the Istitabah module.
“This holistic approach includes faith recovery, syariah education, counselling, civic awareness, and life skills.
“Programmes are also extended to GISBH leaders detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, in collaboration with the Malaysia Islamic Development Department (Jakim), the National Security Council and the Prisons Department,” she said.
Previously, on August 8, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said a total of 111 investigation papers have been opened against GISBH since the launch of Op Global in September last year.
Of these, 21 remain under active investigation, while one case is still being pursued under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
He said to date, 44 individuals have been charged in court under various legal provisions, including 22 accused under Section 130V(1) of the Penal Code for organised crime offences.
They include GISBH chief executive officer Datuk Nasiruddin Mohd Ali and his wife Azura Md Yusof.
