However, deputy religious affairs minister Zulkifli Hasan said the allowance would not be granted to GISBH members who had been detained after being suspected of being involved in criminal activities.

“These allowances are extended not only to the participants, but also to their children and spouses,” he told the Dewan Rakyat.

Zulkifli was responding to a question by Azli Yusof (PH-Shah Alam) about efforts to encourage GISBH members to join the faith rehabilitation programme, given the low rate of voluntary participation.

Last month, a lawyer representing GISBH also said its members wanted to know whether they would be paid allowances for the duration of the programme, having lost their livelihood after the authorities seized their business premises and other assets.

On a related matter, Zulkifli said the government and relevant agencies were also focussing on safeguarding the welfare of families and ensuring the continuity of education for children left behind by GISBH members, including those eligible for financial assistance.

On Nov 14, the national Islamic council said the beliefs and teachings spread by GISBH CEO Nasiruddin Ali deviated from the true teachings of Islam.

The muzakarah committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs said GISBH also practised economic models that had elements of slavery, with followers required to voluntarily serve the company while their needs would be fully borne by the firm as their reward.

Most states have declared GISBH’s teachings as deviant after police raided 20 welfare homes linked to the company in September and rescued 402 children, some of whom were allegedly sexually abused or taught to sexually assault others.

Since then, more than 600 children have been rescued from GISBH-linked welfare homes.

Some of GISBH’s top leadership were among 58 people who have been detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma), with 21 people charged with being members of an organised criminal group.