Melaka: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has identified the chairman of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) in Melaka as the main suspect in a case involving the misappropriation of RM26 million in public donations meant for charitable purposes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki disclosed that five individuals, including the chairman and financial manager of the NGO, who were detained for seven days to assist in the investigation have been released. The NGO, registered under the Registrar of Societies (ROS), is classified as a public body under MACC law. This classification allows the commission to investigate any abuse of power by individuals within the organisation under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009.

Azam Baki revealed that RM26 million was transferred from the NGO’s official account to the personal accounts of certain individuals, allegedly for personal gain, including the purchase of assets such as land and buildings. The funds were originally donated by the public for the Syrian community and other charitable causes.

The investigation is being conducted under Section 409 of the Penal Code and the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001. Azam stated that the inquiry is ongoing, with efforts focused on tracing all transactions and assets acquired using the misappropriated funds.

In a recent development, five individuals, including the chairman, secretary, treasurer, and financial officer of the organisation, were detained by the Selangor MACC in an operation named Op Serantau. They are suspected of misappropriating the NGO’s funds. During the operation, the MACC seized assets worth over RM8 million, which included more than RM1 million in cash, jewellery valued at approximately RM100,000, crypto accounts totalling about RM650,000, and four residential units valued at over RM1.4 million.