Charges have been filed against a second member of an Islamic conglomerate in Malaysia, accused of operating charity homes where children were reportedly abused. Businessman Mohamad Riza Makar, 39, pleaded not guilty to witness intimidation for allegedly pressuring a former employee to withdraw a police report. If convicted, he could face up to two years in prison and was released on bail of 10,000 ringgit ($2,360).
An investigation into charity homes linked to GISBH has uncovered alleged connections to a banned Islamic cult called Al Arqam. Malaysian police rescued over 400 children from welfare homes where they were reportedly subjected to abuse. These children are not orphans but offspring of GISBH members placed in the organization for indoctrination purposes.
Over 170 suspects, including a teacher and dorm caretakers, have been arrested in connection with the case. Bank accounts of GISBH have been frozen, with assets in several countries estimated at 325 million ringgit ($76.6 million). Initially denying the accusations, GISBH later acknowledged running the care homes and admitted to some instances of abuse.
Al Arqam, the banned sect with ties to GISBH, was founded by Ashaari Muhammad, known for his supernatural claims. The organization’s goal is to promote Islamic ideals, including education and culture, following Ashaari’s teachings. Polygamy was common among Al Arqam members, reflecting their commitment to a stricter form of the faith.