SEREMBAN – An independent preacher in his 30s has been remanded for five days by the Seremban Magistrate’s Court over allegations of abusing his position and embezzling approximately RM12.3 million from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) under his leadership.
The remand order was issued by Magistrate Sara Afiqah Zulkifli on Wednesday following an application by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). The suspect will be held from April 22 until April 26 to assist with investigations.
According to sources, the suspect was arrested at around 8pm when he arrived at the Negeri Sembilan MACC office to provide a statement. Initial investigations revealed that the man, who also serves as chairman of the NGO, is believed to have committed the offences between September 2022 and the present.
Authorities suspect that he abused his authority and worked with two other committee members to transfer funds amounting to RM12.3 million into his personal bank account as well as into eight companies linked to him. The alleged misuse of funds has raised serious concerns over governance and accountability within charitable organisations.
Further investigations led to the freezing of 15 bank accounts by the Negeri Sembilan MACC. These include three personal accounts, three NGO accounts, and nine company accounts, with a combined estimated value of RM16.5 million. The scale of the financial activity indicates a complex network of transactions currently under scrutiny by investigators.
In addition to the frozen accounts, enforcement officers seized various assets believed to be linked to the case. These include cash totalling RM6,576, foreign currency comprising Saudi Riyal and Singapore Dollar, as well as luxury items such as watches, handbags, bracelets, a ring, a chain, and 51 pieces of gold weighing one gram each. The total value of the seized items is estimated to be significant, further strengthening the case against the suspect.
Negeri Sembilan MACC Director Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awg Ismail confirmed the arrest when contacted, stating that the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009, which deals with abuse of power for personal gratification.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by authorities to tackle corruption and uphold integrity, particularly within organisations entrusted with public and donor funds. Investigations are ongoing, and further action may be taken as more evidence is uncovered.
