: Three decades after the teachings of Al-Arqam were declared deviant in 1994, the nation was once again abuzz with controversy following allegations surrounding GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd , an organisation reportedly linked to the group.
The controversy surrounding GISBH broke out when the Malaysian Centre for the Study of Deviant Teachings claimed the company was linked to alleged cult activities, via its Facebook page on Aug 16. A total of 402 individuals, comprising 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17, were also rescued. Among them were 10 children with disabilities, including autism.
The ensuing police investigation led to the remand of numerous individuals to assist in the inquiry, including senior management members, their spouses, several GISBH leaders, and the son of former Al-Arqam leader Ashaari Mohammad. In the fourth phase of Op Global, authorities raided GISBH premises across several states, seizing pamphlets and documents allegedly associated with Al-Arqam teachings contrary to Islamic principles, along with various itemMelaka revokes GISBH CEO’s ‘Datuk’ titles linked to superstitious practices.In a separate operation in Kelantan, authorities raided three houses in Kampung Panji, suspected to be the residences of GISBH’s CEO and his family.
The same fatwa was issued in Pahang, Perlis, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Melaka, Perak, and Penang, followed by a similar decision by the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs on Nov 14.