Married couple among four remanded by MACC over misappropriation of RM3mil in donations

PETALING JAYA: A husband and wife were among four suspects arrested by the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) for misappropriating over RM3mil in public donations over the past four years.

According to a source, the suspects, three males and a female aged in their 20s and 30s, were detained at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya after having their statements recorded between 6.30pm and 11pm on Wednesday (July 10) night.

Following their detention, the suspects were brought before Magistrate Irza Zulaikha Rohanuddin at a Putrajaya Magistrate's Court on Thursday (July 11) morning where they were remanded till July 14 to facilitate investigations.

"The husband and wife suspects are believed to have perpetrated the act since 2020 by misappropriating donations that were not channeled accordingly.

"It is estimated that the donations collected had surpassed RM3mil with investigations still at the initial stages.

"At the same time, the two other suspects were detained because they are suspected to be involved in the same case," the source added.

Meanwhile, when contacted, MACC senior investigation director Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Hashim confirmed the arrests, saying that the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission Act.

The provision states that any officer of a public body who uses his office or position for any gratification, whether for himself, his relative or associate, commits an offence.

Those convicted of the offence may be liable to a prison term of not more than 20 years and fine not less than five times the sum or value of the gratification or RM10,000, whichever is higher.