Malaysia widens probe into 'horror' care home child abuse

Malaysian police arrest 171 suspects in charity shelter raids, rescuing over 400 abused children, sparking national outrage.

Malaysian police expanded their probe Friday (September 13, 2024) into a major conglomerate with links to a banned Islamic sect, after hundreds of children were rescued from alleged abuse at care homes believed to be run by the group.

Investigators stormed 20 charity shelters across two Malaysian states on Wednesday, arresting 171 suspects including religious studies teachers and caregivers, and bringing to safety over 400 children.

In what is believed to be the worst such case to hit Malaysia in decades, police suspect the victims — aged from one to 17 — had been subjected to sexual and physical attacks.

They were also allegedly forced by the care home staff to abuse each other.

Investigators were "working towards" further raids and arrests as the probe on the organisation called Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) continued, said police inspector-general Razarudin Husain.

Investigations and health checks so far show that at least 13 minors had been sexually abused, Razarudin said at a press conference.

The children, who are temporarily being housed in a police training centre in Kuala Lumpur among other locations, are still undergoing medical examinations, added the police chief.