KUALA LUMPUR: The pilot project of the voluntary rehabilitation programme for Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISB) Sdn Bhd members commenced on Nov 7, involving 11 individuals.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar said the 11 GISB members were placed at the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (Mais) recovery centre.
"The rehabilitation programme uses the 'istitabah' module, which focuses on restoring faith, national values, education and life skills training," he said in response to Zakri Hassan (PN-Kangar).
Zakri inquired about the steps taken by the government to address the issue of GISB, which has resurfaced after a long time.
Na'im said the government launched a voluntary rehabilitation programme for all GISB members and followers under the National Security Council and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia with cooperation from the state religious departments.
Additionally, Na'im said Jakim, in cooperation with the Prisons Department and police, will implement a special faith rehabilitation programme for GISB members currently detained under the Security Offenses Special Measures Act.
On Oct 14, it was reported that the government is offering a voluntary rehabilitation programme to all GISB members and followers, who are still at large, to help them return to the true teachings of Islam.
National Security Council deputy director-general Datuk Baharuddin Ahmad had said that registration for the three-month programme was open until Nov 14 and all members of the group are welcome to participate, regardless of age or gender.
Na'im said Jakim will continue to focus on efforts to strengthen the faith and beliefs of all Muslims, including GISB members, through comprehensive and effective education and spiritual guidance in collaboration with state Islamic religious councils and other relevant agencies.
Meanwhile, Na'im added the government's priority is to return the children of GISB to the care of their parents and families.
"This is one of the government's approaches to ensure that these children are not neglected and can lead a normal life," he said, adding that the government fully supports the stance of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry to return the GISB children to their parents and families.
Other measures being taken by the government, Na'im said, include rehabilitation modules, regular monitoring of development and cooperation with local communities and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
"The monitoring of the children's development will continue through the involvement and cooperation of the Social Welfare Department, along with pedagogical, psychological and faith experts.
"Considering the long-term trauma effects on these children, the government is also implementing a GISB rehabilitation module, which includes faith recovery, counselling, civic education, and skills training.
"Collaboration with local communities and NGOs is also essential to create a strong social support system for these children," he said.
On Thursday, the National Council of Islamic Religious Affairs declared GISB as deviant.
MKI Muzakarah Committee chairman Datuk Dr Nooh Gadut said the decision to declare GISB deviant was made following its meeting in September.
GISB had been under scrutiny following police raids on Sept 11 on 20 welfare homes allegedly operated by the organisation, which led to the rescue of 402 people, mostly children.