PUTRAJAYA – The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has found that RM26 million in public donations channelled to a non-governmental organisation (NGO) were misused for personal gain.
MACC chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said part of the donated funds was used to purchase land and a building.
Investigations revealed that a portion of the money had been transferred from the NGO’s bank account to that of the organisation’s chairman, who is the main suspect.
“From the RM26 million, we (MACC) found that some of it was spent for personal use, including the purchase of property, namely land and a building.
“These funds came from members of the public who donated to the NGO to support charitable causes, including aid for the Syrian community,” he told a press conference today.
Azam said the main suspect and four others, who were previously remanded for seven days, have since been released, but investigations are ongoing.
The case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, Section 409 of the Penal Code, and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act (AMLATFPUAA) 2001.
“It must be noted that when an NGO or association is registered under the Registrar of Societies (RoS), it is considered a public body and falls under the jurisdiction of the MACC Act.
“If actions are taken for personal benefit, they may constitute an offence under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009,” he said.
Earlier, MACC disclosed that it had uncovered the alleged embezzlement of RM26 million in public donations by an NGO.
The discovery was made following the arrest of five individuals – the chairman, secretary, treasurer and financial officer of the organisation – during an operation dubbed Op Serantau.
The MACC also seized over RM8 million worth of assets, including more than RM1 million in cash, jewellery estimated at RM100,000, cryptocurrency holdings valued at RM650,000, and four residential units worth over RM1.4 million.
Fourteen bank accounts with nearly RM5 million have also been frozen pending further investigation. – June 25, 2025