Malaysia police rescue 402 children from welfare homes amid abuse claims

Malaysian authorities conducted a significant operation on Wednesday, rescuing 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to the Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings. The police chief reported that the children, aged between 1 to 17 years, were subjected to severe abuse, including sexual exploitation and physical harm. Investigations revealed that the homes were run by individuals associated with the Islamic business group, which had been under scrutiny for allegations of child abandonment and deviant teachings. The raids were prompted by disturbing claims of sexual assault and mistreatment, leading to the arrest of 171 suspects, including caretakers and religious teachers. The police highlighted that children were not only abused by caretakers but were also coerced into abusing one another. Furthermore, the conditions in the homes were dire, with sick children denied medical care until their situations became critical, and instances of physical punishment reported. Global Ikhwan, which has a controversial history linked to a banned Islamic sect, denied the allegations of exploitation but did not address the sexual abuse claims directly. The group has faced ongoing scrutiny from Islamic authorities due to its alleged continuation of deviant teachings. Following the rescue, the children are set to undergo medical assessments as investigations continue. This operation underscores the urgent need for oversight in welfare institutions and raises questions about the safety and well-being of children placed in such facilities. The authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and preventing future abuses in similar environments.