IPOH: The registration of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH) risks being cancelled by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) if it is found guilty of activities that violate public interest and current regulations.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that the ministry, through SSM, will cooperate with the police to assist in the investigation against GISBH.
"The investigation relating to GISBH at the ministry level is connected to the SSM Control and Regulation Act.
"We are currently reviewing the company's registration, including its compliance in terms of annual reports, financial statements, and so on," he said.
He said this at a press conference after attending the opening of the SSM Perak Branch here today. The building was officially opened by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah.
GISB has been at the centre of police investigations after raids on Sept 11 on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the company led to 402 children being rescued. Subsequent screenings of the children revealed many had suffered physical and emotional injuries.
During investigations, police also revealed that 13 of the children had also been sodomised. GISB has since denied the allegations of child exploitation and sexual abuse.
Armizan said the ministry was working closely with the police to complete the investigation and ensure the best outcome from it.
When asked if the ministry had received any complaints on the online sale and advertisements of products by GISB, he said that so far, no reports had been received.
"We are cooperating with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on online product promotion and other promotions. We will take action should there be any reports," he said.
On Friday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said it was up to the ministry to look at issues regarding consumerism.
When asked about actions that would be taken if GISB changed its name to hide its operations, he acknowledged the matter.
"This is a significant case, and the investigation is being led by the police. I can't provide more details, but there are efforts to conceal their operations. This is also under investigation and observation," he added.