Malaysia investigates militant indoctrination claims among rescued GISB children

Police in Malaysia are investigating whether children rescued from care homes linked to the controversial organisation Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) were exposed to militant teachings.

Hundreds of children were removed from care homes linked to GISB last month amid allegations of horrific sexual and physical abuse.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed on Sunday that the investigation was shifting focus to the possibility of militant indoctrination – including whether the children were shown militant-themed videos.

“We do know that the children were also shown videos of their leader ‘Abuya’ at the care homes,” he said.

The original police operations against GISB did not initially address militant teachings, but evidence has prompted a re-evaluation.

Al-Arqam, the predecessor of GISB, was founded by Ashaari Mohammad, also known as Abuya, in 1968 and was banned in 1994. The organisation later rebranded as Rufaqa Corporation before adopting its current name.