KUALA LUMPUR: A staggering 572 children and teenagers rescued from welfare homes associated with the controversial GISB Holdings are still unclaimed, raising questions about their true identities and the possibility of fraudulent claims by the conglomerate.

Malaysian police are probing GISB for potential orphan fraud, suggesting that the children may not actually be orphans but rather the offspring of its members. Police Chief Razarudin Husain revealed at a press conference that many youths, particularly those under the age of 12, were reportedly instructed to deny knowing their parents during interrogations. In chilling accounts, some children even claimed to have no knowledge of who their parents were.

Disturbingly, some parents have denied their relationship with the kids, asserting that the children are orphans. 'They won't admit that these are their children; they refer to them as orphans because of names like 'bin' or 'binti' Abdullah,' Razarudin stated, questioning if this behavior could be part of a sinister scheme to garner donations for unknown purposes. Such actions may contravene Section 420 of the Penal Code concerning fraud.

In a shocking revelation, one individual implicated in the ongoing investigation—known as Ops Global—was arrested along with 156 others over the weekend.

This individual reportedly has four wives and 34 children, yet astonishingly noted that he had only two kids with him and was unaware of the whereabouts of the remaining 32.

The recent operations have led to the rescue of 187 children, including 100 boys and 87 girls, on one single day. 'This brings the total number of children saved since September 11 to a harrowing 572,' Razarudin confirmed.

Currently, the rescued children are housed in 11 safe houses managed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

The Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to initiate educational programs for over 300 of them starting October 1. This is crucial for the children's integration and recovery after the suspected abuse they endured.

Police investigations have uncovered troubling links between GISB and the Al-Arqam sect, which has been labeled deviant since 1994.

Despite its controversial status, GISB has attracted approximately 10,000 followers throughout Malaysia, including vulnerable children.

On September 11, authorities conducted raids at welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, revealing extensive exploitation and abuse, including sexual abuse, of the children. In response, GISB vehemently denied the allegations and threatened legal action against claims of 'malicious defamation.'

The situation escalated on September 19 when Malaysian authorities arrested GISB's head, Nasiruddin Mohd Ali, along with senior managers during early morning raids in Kuala Lumpur.

Five others associated with the conglomerate were detained near the Thai border, highlighting the widespread implications of this case.

In a further development, on September 20, the Perlis mufti declared GISB a deviant sect, officially gazetting the religious decree to ensure that the community remains aware of its dangerous practices.

What’s next for these unclaimed children? With ongoing investigations and intense scrutiny on GISB Holdings, the road to justice and healing is just beginning. Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold!