Malaysian police rescue 402 children amid allegations of sexual assault at Islamic welfare homes

On September 11, 2024, shocking news came from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Malaysian authorities conducted surprise raids on 20 welfare homes affiliated with Islamic business groups. The operation was announced by National Police Chief Razaludin Hussein. A total of 402 children were rescued, including 201 boys and 201 girls, aged between 1 and 17. They are from 18 welfare homes in central Selangor state and two welfare homes in Negeri Sembilan in the south. At the same time, the police arrested 171 suspects, including religious teachers and caregivers.

The surprise raids stemmed from an investigation into allegations of child abandonment, heretical doctrines, and sexual assault at these welfare homes operated by Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings. The police said that children were exploited and sexually abused in these welfare homes. They were not only sexually abused by caregivers but also forced to engage in sexual abuse with each other. Sick children were not allowed to seek medical treatment until their conditions became critical. Some young children were even burned with hot spoons when they made mistakes. Caregivers also touched children's bodies in the name of medical examinations.

The police believe that Global Ikhwan exploits children and uses religious sentiment to collect donations. Investigations show that children in welfare homes have been placed here by their parents since infancy. They belong to the Global Ikhwan organization. Currently, these children will undergo medical evaluations. Global Ikhwan was founded by Ashaari Muhammad. The Al-Arqam Islamic sect he once led was banned by the government in 1994. The organization has recently drawn the attention of Islamic authorities for being allegedly involved in the heretical doctrines of the Al-Arqam sect. Although Global Ikhwan denied the allegations of exploiting children in a statement and said it would cooperate with the authorities, it did not mention the allegations of sexual abuse. It is reported that the company is involved in multiple business fields and has branches in 20 countries.