Kuala lumpur: The government will not compromise on any form of misconduct, corruption, or abuse of power, especially those involving funds entrusted for the welfare of Muslims, says Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar. He emphasized that there had been no attempts to protect any individuals involved in the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds, and firm action would be taken in accordance with existing rules and laws.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Na’im stated that funds entrusted for the welfare of the Muslim ummah must be managed with integrity, trust, and transparency. He acknowledged reports regarding allegations of abuse of power and misappropriation in the management of zakat aid under one of the religious agencies. An internal investigation has been initiated, and an official report has been lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to ensure the investigation is carried out independently and thoroughly.

Mohd Na’im expressed appreciation to individuals and members of the public who have courageously reported such misconduct, highlighting their actions as a reflection of shared integrity that should be emulated. He urged the public to promptly report any form of misappropriation or abuse of power to the authorities, assuring that every complaint would be investigated seriously without compromise.

He also reminded all agencies under the Religious Affairs portfolio not to betray the trust placed in them, warning that failure to maintain integrity would tarnish the reputation of the institutions and erode public confidence in religious bodies. The Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) will continue to work closely with the MACC and other enforcement agencies to ensure firm action is taken against any parties found guilty.

Yesterday, the MACC reportedly detained a former employee of a statutory body on suspicion of being involved in a syndicate misappropriating zakat allocations totaling about RM120,000 involving 28 ineligible applicants. The woman, in her 30s, was arrested while giving her statement at the Kuala Lumpur MACC office. The Magistrate’s Court granted a four-day remand order until this Wednesday to assist investigations under Section 16(a)(A) of the MACC Act 2009.