SEREMBAN – Eleven individuals including Negri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council Zakat Sdn Bhd officials have been called up to have their statements recorded on the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds, said Negri Sembilan police chief Datuk Ahmad Dzaffir Mohd Yussof.
He said the police were still waiting for further instructions from the deputy public prosecutor and to determine if it was necessary to record statements from other individuals to assist in the investigation into the case.
“So far, we have recorded their statements and the investigation is carried out on the advice of the Negeri Sembilan state prosecution director’s office.
“The police have completed the investigation into the case and the investigation paper was sent back to the director’s office on March 2,” he told reporters at the state police contingent headquarters here today.
Dzaffir said the investigation was conducted in accordance with Section 409 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.
On February 13, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) reportedly confirmed that the case over the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds involving the agency was being reviewed.
The issue had previously gone viral on the Telegram application, alleging that the religious council had misappropriated zakat money.
In another development, Dzaffir said a total of 2,833 commercial crime cases involving losses amounting to RM62.51 million were reported in the state last year.
“During the same period, 1,425 individuals were arrested, with 469 of them having been charged in court.
“Cases that recorded an increase were telecommunications scams with 318 cases, non-existent investments with 93 cases and e-financial fraud with 38 cases,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dzaffir said two people lost RM1.4 million after they were cheated over a non-existent investment scheme offered through Facebook.
“The first victim was a retiree who lost RM1.2 million, while the other victim was a 49-year-old accountant who was cheated of RM200,000,” he said.
He said the victims lodged a police report on February 20 and February 22, respectively, and the cases were being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
Those with information are urged to contact investigating officer Mohd Arif Jamaluddin at 019-4005037. – Bernama, March 6, 2023
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