The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) expresses its deep concern over recent prosecutorial developments linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH), which have raised serious public alarm regarding the protection of children’s rights in Malaysia.
Suhakam notes that more than 400 children, including infants, were rescued from homes operated by GISBH following coordinated enforcement actions in late 2024.
Allegations of physical abuse, neglect, sexual violence, and economic exploitation constitute grave violations of the children’s fundamental rights and dignity.
Suhakam underscores that the failure of GISBH’s leadership and owners to safeguard the children under their care, and instead exposing them to exploitation and harm, represents a serious breach of both legal and moral obligations.
Public concern has been further intensified by reports that certain GISBH leaders were released or faced lesser charges, despite hundreds of police reports alleging violence and ill-treatment of vulnerable children.
These developments have prompted renewed calls for transparency and accountability from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC).
As Malaysia is a State Party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Suhakam reminds that national laws must be fully enforced to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, particularly offences under the Child Act 2001 and the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Decisions relating to the prosecution of such offences must prioritise justice, protection, and deterrence, and be guided at all times by the best interests of the child.
In light of these concerns, Suhakam calls on the AGC to provide a clear and public explanation of its prosecutorial decisions and to disclose details of the cases related to the alleged acts of sexual abuse, violence, and exploitation, in order to uphold public confidence in the administration of justice.
Where prosecutions have commenced, complainants and the affected children must be kept informed of the progress and next steps.
The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development (KPWKM) and the Department of Social Welfare (JKM) must urgently review and strengthen the regulation and monitoring of all welfare and faith-based homes.
Enforcement agencies must also ensure that investigations are conducted promptly, professionally, and with due sensitivity to child victims.
Private children’s homes must be properly regulated and held accountable to care and protection standards.
With Malaysia due for review before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child next year, this is an important opportunity for the government to demonstrate meaningful commitment to upholding children’s rights through accountability, enforcement, and the effective prosecution of crimes against children.
To ensure systemic accountability and reform, Suhakam reiterates its call for the establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the alleged abuses and examine the governance of welfare institutions entrusted with the care of children.
Suhakam further urges all relevant authorities to ensure that all rescued children, including those who have been reintegrated or returned to their families, are continuously monitored and provided with psychosocial support, safe accommodation, and access to justice, in line with Malaysia’s international human rights obligations.
Such measures are essential to guarantee the sustained safety, recovery, and overall well-being of every child.
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Ova.
