SHAH ALAM: A deputy chairman of an NGO has been remanded for four days to assist an investigation into an alleged misappropriation of about RM230mil in zakat funds.
The remand order against him and another man was issued by magistrate Ameera Mastura Khamis after the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) submitted an application yesterday.
The two men, aged 57 and 61, have been remanded until April 25.
On Tuesday, the Selangor MACC arrested three individuals on suspicion of misappropriating about RM230mil in zakat funds.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the NGO case involved public donations and not zakat funds.
He said an initial probe found the NGO had received contributions from various sources, including commissions from certain collections intended for those in need.
“The funds did not reach the intended beneficiaries. Instead, some individuals allegedly diverted the money for personal use, including the purchase of luxury assets,” he said in a statement.
Azam said MACC is expanding the scope of the probe to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process, in line with principles of integrity and good governance.
Meanwhile, Lembaga Zakat Selangor said that it has no connection to the alleged misappropriation.
“The case involves an NGO and has no connection with Zakat Selangor or the management of zakat by the institution,” said its chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari.
He said Zakat Selangor maintained a firm stance against any form of misuse of zakat funds and would always ensure that zakat management is carried out in accordance with the established governance framework.
