Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said police are working with several ministries and agencies to complete the probe and ensure follow-up action for the 402 children rescued from the homes.

“We need to continue our investigations to see what other actions can be taken,” he was quoted as saying by Buletin TV3.

Razarudin said some of the children rescued were supposed to be in school but “were given their own education”, adding that the cops will liaise with the education ministry on this.

The IGP also said the 402 children are undergoing documentation and health checks, while it is believed that their fathers are members of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings (GISBH).

“We also want to see if the welfare homes are registered. From there, we may find other offences. Witnesses will also be summoned,” he said, adding that all 20 premises have been temporarily closed.

Yesterday, Razarudin said the 171 arrested included an ustaz and a hostel warden. He added that some of the 402 children rescued had been sodomised and were also taught to sexually assault others.

The children, comprising 201 boys and 201 girls, are believed to be victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and abandonment.

While the IGP had reportedly said the 20 welfare homes were linked to GISBH, the company has since denied operating the homes or exploiting children as workers.

GISBH owns supermarkets, minimarkets, bakeries, 120 restaurants and other businesses in Malaysia, the Middle East, Europe and China, according to a 2022 report.

It previously said it had discarded its former image as the business wing of Al-Arqam and is currently positioned as a multinational company.

Police are probing the case under the Child Act 2001, Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007, and the Penal Code.