Speaking to reporters during a press conference in Kuantan, Razarudin said some of the children were also forced to sodomise the other residents of the home.

Others also endured physical abuse.

“Children as young as five years old were injured with hot objects when they made mistakes,” he said at a press conference.

He added that some children who were sick were not allowed to receive medical treatment, resulting in their condition turning “critical”.

Razarudin said police arrested 171 people in the operation conducted from 6am to 11am today.

“Religious sentiments were used to gain sympathy and secure donations from the public.”

He said among those arrested were an ustaz and a hostel warden.

Earlier today, Bukit Aman raided 18 welfare homes in Selangor and two in Negeri Sembilan linked to a company.

Razarudin said the 402 rescued children, consisting of 201 boys and 201 girls, were believed to be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and abandonment.

He said four investigation papers had been opened, with one paper having received instructions from the Attorney-General’s Chambers to proceed with the charges.

The charges for one of these investigation papers are under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, he said.

Other investigation papers have been opened using the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (Atipsom) Act 2007, and Section 354 of the Penal Code for using force with intent to outrage modesty.