Malaysian Authorities Rescue Over 400 Abused Children

Malaysian authorities rescued over 400 children from welfare homes linked to the Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) group, following allegations of neglect, abuse, and sexual exploitation. The raids, involving nearly 1,000 personnel, resulted in the arrest of 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers and caretakers. The children, aged between one and 17, were subjected to severe abuse, including being burnt with heated objects and being coerced into performing sexual acts. GISB, which operates businesses globally and has historical ties to the banned Al-Arqam sect, has denied managing the homes or any wrongdoing. The children will undergo medical evaluations as part of the ongoing investigation, while GISB claims it will cooperate with authorities. The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia has called for stricter regulations in welfare homes to prevent such incidents.