KUALA LUMPUR - The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Negeri Sembilan branch has arrested a freelance preacher suspected of abusing his position and misappropriating about RM12.3 million in funds from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) for personal gain.
According to a source, the man, in his 30s, was detained at about 8 pm yesterday when he appeared to give a statement at the Negeri Sembilan MACC office.
"Preliminary investigations found that the suspect, who is also the NGO chairman, is believed to have committed the offence from Sept 2022 to date.
"He is suspected of abusing his position and working with two committee members to transfer about RM12.3 million into his personal bank account and the accounts of eight companies he owns,” the source said.
Following the investigation, Negeri Sembilan MACC froze 15 accounts comprising three personal accounts, three NGO accounts and nine company accounts, with a total value of about RM16.5 million.
In addition, the MACC seized RM6,576 in cash, as well as foreign currency amounting to SAR95,568 and SGD795.
Also seized were three watches worth about RM5,000; three handbags (RM3,000); five bracelets (RM26,000); a ring (RM2,000); a necklace (RM7,000); and 51 one-gram gold pieces worth about RM31,000.
According to the source, the suspect has been remanded for five days until April 26 after an order was issued by Magistrate Sara Afiqah Zulkifli at the Seremban Magistrate’s Court this morning.
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan MACC director Awgkok Ahmad Taufik Putra Awg Ismail, when contacted, confirmed the arrest and said the case is being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. - BERNAMA