KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has uncovered alleged misappropriation of some RM26 million in public donations by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), believed to have been ongoing since 2015.
According to a source, the misconduct came to light following the arrest of five individuals — the NGO’s chairman, secretary, treasurer, and finance officer — during a recent operation dubbed Op Serantau, carried out by MACC Selangor.
Raids were conducted last Thursday at several locations across Selangor, Melaka, and Penang.
“All five suspects have been remanded for seven days. Four are held until Wednesday, and one until Thursday,” the source told Berita Harian.
“The modus operandi to misappropriate funds is almost identical to what occurred in the Aman Palestin case, where money was transferred into personal accounts and used to purchase jewellery, vehicles, land, and houses — including investments in cryptocurrency.
“They are also believed to have channelled NGO funds into personal accounts to provide loans to staff, and misappropriated surplus funds from a well construction project in Syria for personal use,” the source added.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki confirmed the arrests when contacted.
Azam said the operation also led to the seizure of assets worth over RM8 million, which included more than RM1 million in cash, jewellery estimated at RM100,000, cryptocurrency holdings valued at about RM650,000, and four residential properties worth over RM1.4 million.
“MACC has also frozen 14 bank accounts involving nearly RM5 million. The case is being investigated under Section 409 of the Penal Code,” he said. – June 16, 2025