KUALA LUMPUR — The alleged misappropriation of about RM230 million involving a non-governmental organisation (NGO) did not involve funds from any zakat institution, but rather donations from various contributors and other sources received by the organisation.
Part of the funds allegedly misused also included collections that were supposed to be channelled to a state zakat body.
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed that the latest investigation involving the NGO did not implicate any zakat institution in the country.
“In the latest investigation, this NGO received contribution funds from various sources, including commissions obtained from certain collections to be handed over to the zakat body (of a state).
“However, these funds did not reach their intended destination. Instead, some irresponsible individuals misappropriated these funds for personal interests, including the purchase of luxury assets. Such actions are against the law and investigations are being carried out by MACC,” he said when contacted today.
Earlier, MACC detained three individuals, including the deputy chairman of the NGO, on suspicion of misappropriating approximately RM230 million.
It is understood that two male suspects in their 50s and 60s were arrested between 3pm and 5pm during an operation around the Klang Valley, while another suspect in his 50s was detained when he appeared to provide a statement at the Selangor MACC office at about 2pm.
Preliminary investigations found that all three suspects, two of whom are company directors, were believed to have conspired in the offence between 2018 and 2024.
The NGO’s deputy chairman is also alleged to have transferred RM230 million into his company’s account for investment purposes as well as personal use.
MACC’s investigation is now focused on elements of public fund misappropriation, as the NGO is an organisation that receives public donations intended to assist those in need.
Authorities also found that the organisation had failed to channel part of the collections that should have gone to a state zakat body to the relevant authorities.
Azam reiterated that while the case involved funds linked to zakat collections, no zakat institution itself was involved in the misappropriation. – April 22, 2026