A Malaysian man has been denied bail after allegedly threatening a woman for filing a police report against a company he worked with. Mohamad Riza Makar, 39, is accused of intimidating Siti Nur Dalila Diyana Ismail, 25, in a parking lot in Putrajaya on 9 September, saying, “We will be waiting, we know where your home, spouse, and family are.” He was arrested and charged on 18 September with criminal intimidation. The Deputy Public Prosecutor requested a bail amount of RM30,000 (S$9,200), citing an ongoing investigation into Global Ikhwan Service and Business Holdings (GISBH) for alleged exploitation and abuse of children.
Background
The case against Riza is part of a larger prosecution involving GISBH, a business conglomerate with alleged ties to a banned religious organisation in Malaysia. GISBH operates in 20 countries and runs numerous subsidiaries, including children’s homes. Malaysian authorities claim the organisation exploited children for fundraising and have recently raided several homes, arresting over 170 people and rescuing more than 400 children aged between one and 17 years.
Bail plea
Riza’s defence lawyer argued that the proposed bail amount was “excessive.” According to World of Buzz, the lawyer stated that Riza had never attempted to escape during the investigation and was not a significant figure in GISBH. Riza, who earns a monthly income of RM4,000 (S$1,226), pleaded for a lower bail amount, citing his responsibility to support his three wives and 10 children. “I need to prepare money for all my 10 kids before school reopens again,” Riza told the court. Ultimately, his bail was set at RM10,000 (S$3,065).
Raids and arrests
The broader investigation into GISBH has revealed disturbing allegations of child exploitation. Malaysian authorities have claimed that the organisation used children to fundraise and subjected them to physical and sexual abuse. Recent raids on children’s homes led to the arrest of over 170 individuals and the rescue of more than 400 children. The police have urged the public to report any further misdeeds by GISBH.
Self taught
GISBH has denied any wrongdoing and distanced itself from the raided children’s homes. However, the company’s Chief Coordinating Officer posted a video on social media suggesting that the children had taught themselves to abuse each other. The officer claimed that “sodomy culture” was rampant globally and could stem from various sources, including mobile phones, friends, and school.
Related story
The investigation into GISBH continues to unfold, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that could aid in the ongoing investigation. The case has highlighted significant concerns about child exploitation and abuse within the organisation, prompting a broader discussion on the need for stricter regulations and oversight.
