KUALA LUMPUR: A freelance preacher has been remanded for five days over an investigation into the misappropriation of about RM12.3mil belonging to a non-governmental organisation (NGO).
The suspect, in his 30s, was remanded until April 26 following a Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) application on Wednesday (April 22).
Sources said the suspect was arrested at about 8pm on Tuesday (April 21) when he turned up to give his statement at the Negri Sembilan MACC office.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspect, who is also the chairman of the NGO, is believed to have committed the offences between September 2022 and April 2026.
He is suspected of abusing his position and conspiring with two other committee members to transfer approximately RM12.3mil into his personal bank accounts as well as into accounts belonging to eight companies linked to him.
Sources added that the MACC has frozen 15 bank accounts comprising three personal accounts, three NGO accounts and nine company accounts with a total of RM16.5mil in funds.
The MACC also seized RM6,576 in cash, foreign currency comprising 95,568 Saudi riyals and S$795, as well as luxury items including three watches worth RM5,000, three handbags worth RM3,000, five bracelets valued at RM26,000, a ring worth RM2,000, a necklace worth RM7,000, and 51 one-gram gold pieces worth RM31,000.
Negri MACC director Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awg Ismail confirmed the arrest when contacted, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.
