Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said their finances were controlled by the group’s leaders, who were recently arrested and had their accounts frozen, Bernama reported.

“GISBH’s top leadership has been arrested, so those below them cannot flee. GISBH followers are hiding (in the country) because they have no money, salaries or any other means to escape,” he was quoted as saying.

Razarudin also said there is nowhere in Thailand for them to seek refuge.

“Even if they escape to Thailand, where would they go?” he said.

He said police intelligence and investigations indicate that no GISBH followers have fled to the country’s borders.

He also confirmed claims that premises such as laundromats, motels, pharmacies and restaurants linked to GISBH in several states have changed their signages following the police raids.

“We have identified them and are investigating this matter,” he said.

On Sept 11, police raided 20 welfare homes in Selangor and Negeri Sembilan, which the authorities had linked to GISBH, and rescued 402 children and teenagers who were suspected of being victims of abuse and sexual exploitation.

Utusan Malaysia reported that five children, including three siblings, found in a raid on two charity homes believed to be managed by GISBH are receiving treatment at Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Hospital in Temerloh, Pahang.

State public works, transport and health committee chairman Razali Kassim said the children, aged four to 12 years, were referred to the hospital as cases of abuse and neglect.

He said preliminary inspections found scald marks and bruises on their bodies.

The children were rescued following raids on Sept 21 on two charity homes related to GISBH at Kampung Paya Pulai Tengah and Taman Bukit Semantan near Temerloh.

Razali said no identification was found on the children during the raids.