Malaysian police raid over 20 children’s shelters, rescue 402 children and teenagers suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and assault
On September 12, 2014, Malaysian Detective Inspector Razaruddin Hussein said at a press conference that Malaysian police raided more than 20 children’s shelters in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing more than 402 children and teenagers suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and harassment.
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Malaysian police raid over 20 children’s shelters, rescue 402 children and teenagers suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and assault
On September 12, 2014, Malaysian Detective Inspector Razaruddin Hussein said at a press conference that Malaysian police raided more than 20 children’s shelters in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, rescuing more than 402 children and teenagers suspected of being victims of sexual abuse and harassment.
Hussein said the children were aged between one and 17 and had been subjected to a variety of abuses, including forced sexual acts with other children. They also arrested 171 suspects, including religious teachers and nannies, aged between 17 and 64.
Sararuddin told reporters that some of the suspects molested the children under the pretext of religious healing. Some children were also taught to perform acts similar to sexual intercourse with other children in the orphanage. Offenders were also punished with hot irons, while sick children were not allowed to see a doctor until their condition was critical.
The detective added that the children will be temporarily housed at a police station in Kuala Lumpur for a medical check-up.
The raid follows reports earlier in September that children were being exploited, molested and sexually abused at a children’s shelter in Negeri Sembilan.
Preliminary investigations have found that many children were placed in these shelters by their parents so that they could receive religious education.
The raids also come a day after police launched an investigation into Malaysian conglomerate Islamic Global Ikhwan Group (GISB) over allegations of child exploitation, with authorities confirming at least two other cases linked to the company.
Malaysian Deputy Inspector-General Ayeob Khan Mydin Pitchey said initial investigations led officers to discover that the GISB’s modus operandi was to open a children’s shelter to collect donations.
GISB issued a statement on Facebook on Wednesday denying all allegations, insisting that “the company will not tolerate any illegal activities, especially those involving the exploitation of children.”
In addition, GISB has businesses in 20 countries, covering sectors ranging from hospitals, food and education.