ZPP SAYS IT HAS NEVER RECEIVED ZAKAT PAYMENTS FROM GISBH

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Zakat Pulau Pinang (ZPP) has confirmed that it has never received any zakat payments from businesses believed to be owned by GISB Holdings Sdn Bhd (GISBH) for the past 10 years.

It is believed that companies allegedly belonging to GISBH operate grocery stores, eateries, and bakeries and sell fresh chickens at several premises in Sungai Ara, Lahar Yooi, Perda, and Nibong Tebal.

ZPP chairman and Penang State Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) president Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid said the companies have never applied for any halal certification for their businesses.

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He spoke to reporters after the handover ceremony of appointment letters for the Timur Laut and Barat Daya districts' village community management for the 2024-2028 term, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today.

He said over 200 children and teenagers, believed to be children of GISBH members from Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, and Penang, were rescued and placed at Kompleks Penyayang Sinar Kasih in Nibong Tebal, near here since Oct 1.

"The rescued children are aged between three and 19 years. We have set up a task force to supervise and care for them. They are in the process of learning there, managed by the Penang State Education Department," he said, adding that the children are also receiving psychological guidance and following religious classes.

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Asked about the fatwa (edict) on the group's teachings in Penang, Mohamad said the state Fatwa Committee will hold a special meeting to coordinate and make decisions regarding the matter.

-- BERNAMA