Over 400 minors were rescued by Malaysian police from suspected sexual abuse at Islamic charity homes.

On Wednesday, over 400 children and teenagers were saved by Malaysian authorities from suspected sexual abuse at charity homes run by a prominent Islamic business organization associated with a prohibited religious group, according to the top police official.

Razarudin Husain, Inspector-General of Police, announced that 171 adults, including Islamic religious teachers, were arrested during simultaneous raids on 20 locations in two Malaysian states.

Reports of neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, and molestation were filed this month, resulting in the rescue of 201 boys and 201 girls aged between one and 17, according to Razarudin, who did not disclose the identity of the individuals who made the reports.

GISB managed all the homes, according to Razarudin.

GISB, a Malaysian enterprise with businesses ranging from supermarkets to laundromats, operates in various countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, Australia, and Thailand, as stated on its website.

Reuters did not receive an immediate response from GISB regarding the sexual abuse allegations.

GISB rejected allegations that it employed children as workers through social media, asserting that it does not engage in any illegal activities and will collaborate with authorities to resolve the issue.

The children rescued were found to be the offspring of Malaysian GISB employees, who were sent to their homes immediately after birth and later subjected to various forms of abuse, according to preliminary police investigations.

The victims were reportedly abused by adult caregivers and subsequently trained to abuse other children, according to the statement.

GISB, previously associated with the banned Al-Arqam religious sect in Malaysia, now identifies as an Islamic conglomerate adhering to Muslim practices.

The company was known for its contentious opinions on marriage, such as advocating for polygamy among Muslims and launching the Submissive Wives' Association, which urged women to obey their husbands "as if they were prostitutes".

Razarudin stated that some kids at the homes who demonstrated or misbehaved were subjected to having hot spoons pressed on their arms, resulting in injuries, while others were abused under the guise of administering medical treatment according to Islamic teachings.

GISB used children and religious sentiments to gain public sympathy and raise funds, as stated by him.

"The use of religious tools for indoctrination of children has been observed and is harmful."

Razarudin stated that the children would undergo health screenings and documentation, as the case was being probed under laws pertaining to sexual offenses against children and human trafficking.