The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 41 bank accounts associated with Aman Palestin Berhad and its affiliates, totaling over RM15 million amid suspected embezzlement allegations.
MACC Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki revealed that raids on Aman Palestin’s office were conducted to secure documents and ensure cooperation for an ongoing forensic investigation.
“Our focus is on procuring documents from both Aman Palestin and the banks. We’re delving into donation collections and fund allocations,” stated Azam Baki in today’s statement.
Preliminary inquiries by the anti-graft body uncovered potential embezzlement cases, indicating a diversion of approximately RM70 million from the intended objectives of the company.
“Previous searches at the charity’s premises yielded financial and operational records spanning five years. Our aim was to gather evidence related to offenses under various acts including the MACC Act 2009 and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act,” the statement explained.
MACC also obtained testimonies from key witnesses, revealing concerns regarding fund embezzlement.
Earlier, Perlis Mufti Datuk Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin directed the Perlis State Islamic Religious Affairs Department (JAIPs) to halt fund collections by Aman Palestin in religious premises within the state due to apprehensions about fund management transparency.
Expressing concerns over the organisation’s financial handling, Mohd Asri stressed the importance of transparency in their fundraising and distribution processes.
Following these concerns, state religious authorities suspended Aman Palestin’s fundraising activities in Perlis pending further investigation, signifying growing scrutiny over the organisation’s financial dealings.