By Siti Rohaizah Zainal
SHAH ALAM, Dec 23 — Regular checks will be conducted by relevant agencies on children rescued from Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) shelters who have since been released from rehabilitation centres to their parents or legal guardians.
State executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) and the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) have the authority to reclaim custody of the children if any issues arise.
“We rescued 434 children, but today only 61 remain in rehabilitation centres. Those released home arec subject to conditions and periodic reviews.
[caption id="attachment_348830" align="alignright" width="407"]
State executive councillor of Islamic affairs and cultural innovation Dr Mohammad Fahmi Ngah responds to queries during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session in the State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, on March 7, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“For those still in the rehabilitation centres, we are still tracing their parents and have extended the care period for these children until the end of January,” he told Media Selangor.
When asked about the children’s progress, Fahmi said those remaining in the centres are still undergoing rehabilitation due to trauma, which will take some time.
In October, Selangor established a special task force to examine specific rehabilitation programmes for children rescued from GISBH charity homes in the state.
The task force is jointly chaired by Fahmi and the state executive councillor for women empowerment and social welfare Anfaal Saari.
It includes representatives from the police, JKM, Jais, the Selangor State Education Department, the Selangor Zakat Board, the Selangor Islamic Religious Council, the Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) Foundation, Yayasan Selgate, as well as child psychologists and education experts.
The team aims to restore the children’s faith, while ensuring their welfare and health are taken care of.
