GISB Holdings

Last updated
GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd
GISB, GISBH
Company type Private
IndustryConglomerate
PredecessorRufaqa' Corporation
Founded2008;16 years ago (2008)
Areas served
International (20 countries)
Key people
Nasiruddin Mohd Ali (CEO)
Adib At-Tamimi Ashaari (CCO)
Products
  • Halal food products
  • Media
  • Education
  • Health and wellness
Services
  • Welfare homes
  • Islamic education
  • Media services
  • Healthcare services
  • Hospitality
Total assets RM325 million (reported)
Number of employees
5,356 (as claimed)
Subsidiaries
  • GISB Mart Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Bakery, Restaurant and Catering Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Industries Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Distributor Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Properties & Development Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Poultry Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Medicare Sdn Bhd
  • GISB Akademi GH Sdn Bhd

GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (abbreviated as either GISB or GISBH) is a Malaysian conglomerate founded in 2008. GISB was established by individuals who had previously followed Ashaari Muhammad, the founder of Al-Arqam in 1968. [1] Initially operating under the name Rufaqa' Corporation, the company changed its name to Global Ikhwan following a ban on Rufaqa', before adopting its current name in 2010. [2] [3] GISB continues elements of Darul Arqam’s business and spiritual strategies, combining religious principles with commercial activities. [1] [3]

Contents

GISB reportedly holds assets valued at RM325 million, with business operations spanning 20 countries. [2] The company claims to employs 3,658 youths and 1,698 adults across its various businesses. [4] However, GISB has faced allegations of child labor, specifically regarding claims that minors were selling goods through its business network. The company has denied these allegations. [5]

Business activities

GISB operates with a business model that incorporates Islamic values and Sufi principles, described by the organization as fostering the concept of homo Islamicus; a concept referring to a Muslim individual whose decision-making is influenced by religious precepts. [1]

Ikhwan Cafe Krubong Perdana shopfront.jpg
(Left) GISBH headquarters in Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia. (Right) One of GISB's premises in Malaysia.

The company's subsidiaries include: [2]

The subsidiaries of GISB provide products and services that adhere to Islamic principles, serving various sectors within the Muslim community.

Non-profit work

GISB is also active in charitable work, primarily through its youth organization, Remaja Pembela Ummah (RPU). The RPU promotes community service and Islamic values among young people. [6] Additionally, GISB operates a network of charity homes across Malaysia that provide shelter and support for vulnerable groups, including orphans, single mothers, and individuals in need. [7]

Controversies

Since its rebranding as Global Ikhwan in 2008, the organization has faced scrutiny from religious and governmental authorities. [3] According to the company's chief executive officer, GISB was cleared of any legal wrongdoing by Malaysia's Special Branch. [2]

In 2024, GISB came under public scrutiny following allegations of child labor and exploitation within its welfare homes and business operations. These allegations involved claims that minors were engaged in selling products through its network. The company has denied these allegations; however, Malaysian authorities launched an investigation that uncovered cases of child exploitation and labor rights violations. [5] The investigation, dubbed "Ops Global," was a comprehensive effort to examine GISB's practices. It resulted in police raids on GISB-managed welfare homes, where evidence of child exploitation and labor abuse was reportedly found. [8] Authorities have indicated that investigations into GISB's operations remain ongoing. [9] [10]

In October 2024, Malaysian religious authorities in several states issued legal rulings ( fatwa ) that described some of GISB's practices as inconsistent with mainstream Islamic teachings, citing concerns about the perceived continuation of the ideology linked to the banned Al-Arqam movement. [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20]

Fatwas Issued Against GISB by State
StateGazetted OnAl-Arqam's Teachings / BeliefsDeviant
Perlis Not YetYesYes
Selangor 16 October 2024YesYes
Pahang Not YetYesYes
Melaka Not YetYes†Yes
Sabah Not YetYes†Yes
Penang Not YetYesYes
Notes: † Reflects elements of Rufaqa’s teachings.

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid (2015). "Spirituality as an integral part of Islamic business: The case of Global Ikhwan" . Pacific Affairs. 88 (2): 173–192. doi:10.5509/2015882173.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Nur Eyman (12 September 2024). "Often Linked To The Arqam Group, Here's The History Of GISBH's Establishment". The Rakyat Post. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  3. 1 2 3 Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid (2010). Islamic Education in Malaysia: The Darul Arqam—Rufaqa'—Global Ikhwan Alternative (Report). S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. pp. 57–72.
  4. ↑ Ho Jia Wen (12 September 2024). "Multi-million ringgit company denies exploiting children". The Star. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  5. 1 2 Suzalina Halid (20 September 2024). "GISB runs multiple restaurants, supermarkets worldwide". NST Online.
  6. ↑ "Polis Tahan Tujuh Remaja Pembela Ummah GISBH". Bernama (in Malay). 20 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  7. ↑ Che Ahmad, Mohd. Shah (31 May 2013). "Pendapatan mewah GISB". Utusan Malaysia (in Malay). Archived from the original on 31 May 2015.
  8. ↑ Sarban Singh; Gerard Gimino (12 September 2024). "Police raids on homes shock residents". The Star. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  9. ↑ Farik Zolkepli (10 October 2024). "GISB saga: CEO held under Sosma with 15 others". The Star. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  10. ↑ "Malaysia arrests 155 more suspects in child abuse probe, 19 minors rescued in Melaka". Channel News Asia. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024. A total of 77 women were among those arrested on Saturday (Sep 21) during raids on 82 welfare homes, clinics and businesses, reported local media. This brings the total number of arrests to 355 after the Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain announced earlier on Saturday that 200 had been detained in the ongoing probe known as Ops Global.
  11. ↑ "Op Global: Kronologi kes GISBH setakat hari ini". Harian Metro (in Malay). 22 September 2024. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
  12. ↑ "Sultan Selangor perkenan fatwa GISBH". Kosmo Digital (in Malay). 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  13. ↑ "Now Selangor declares GISBH deviant in fatwa". Free Malaysia Today. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 3 October 2024.
  14. ↑ "Pahang becomes third state to declare GISBH as deviant group". The Sun. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  15. ↑ "Pahang declares GISB followers as deviant for upholding two beliefs". The Star. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  16. ↑ "Melaka latest state to declare GISB teachings deviant". The Star. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  17. ↑ "Melaka issues fatwa declaring GISB deviant". NST Online. 14 October 2024. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  18. ↑ Dermawan, Audrey (18 October 2024). "Penang issues fatwa declaring GISB deviant". NST Online. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  19. ↑ "Penang becomes 6th state to declare GISBH deviant". Free Malaysia Today. 18 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
  20. ↑ "Penang becomes 6th state to declare GISB teachings deviant". The Star. 18 October 2024. Retrieved 18 October 2024.
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