MACC: RM230 Million Misused Funds Were Public Donations, Not Zakat Contributions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission has clarified that the RM230 million allegedly misappropriated in a high-profile case involving a non-governmental organisation (NGO) did not originate from official zakat institutions, but instead comprised public donations intended for charitable purposes.
The clarification was issued by MACC Chief Commissioner Azam Baki amid growing public concern over whether zakat funds had been misused. He stressed that none of the country’s recognised zakat bodies were involved in the case.
“In the course of our investigation, we found that the NGO collected funds from multiple sources, including commissions from certain activities, with the intention of distributing them to the needy,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Unfortunately, these funds did not reach their intended beneficiaries. Instead, some individuals are suspected of misusing the money for personal gain, including acquiring luxury assets.”
The case gained traction after two individuals, including the NGO’s deputy chairman, were remanded for four days to assist investigators. Both suspects, along with another individual, were arrested in a coordinated operation across the Klang Valley.
Preliminary findings suggest that the alleged offences took place over a six-year period between 2018 and 2024. Investigators believe that two suspects, who are also company directors, colluded in diverting the funds for unauthorised purposes.
It is alleged that the NGO’s deputy chairman transferred approximately RM230 million into accounts linked to his own company, purportedly for investment activities and personal use.
As part of the ongoing probe, the MACC has frozen 33 bank accounts containing an estimated RM120 million. Authorities have also carried out large-scale seizures involving high-value assets.
Among the items confiscated are 18 luxury vehicles, including models from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, as well as residential properties and real estate valued at around RM11 million. Additional seizures include cash holdings and high-end branded watches.
The suspects, both men aged in their 50s and 60s, are currently assisting in the investigation. A third individual has also been detained but was not remanded.
The case is being investigated under the MACC Act 2009 for offences related to the misappropriation of public funds. Authorities have indicated that the scope of the investigation is being expanded as more financial trails are examined.
In a separate development, Pertubuhan Ikram Malaysia confirmed that it is the organisation involved in the case. The group announced that it has suspended three of its members, including the deputy chairman, pending the outcome of investigations.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to the large sum involved and the nature of the funds, highlighting concerns over accountability in charitable and donation-based organisations.
-wilayah.com.my
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