Malaysia

Penang MACC expands probe into alleged abuse of Zakat funds by senior state official

The Commission in Penang is set to question additional individuals as investigations deepen into allegations of abuse of power involving a senior state government official and zakat funds

Updated 8 months ago · Published on 01 Feb 2026 2:31PM

Penang MACC expands probe into alleged abuse of Zakat funds by senior state official
Anti-graft authorities stress that the inquiry remains ongoing and independent - February 1, 2026

THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in Penang will summon several more individuals to assist investigations into alleged abuse of power involving a senior state government official and the management of zakat funds.

Penang MACC director Datuk S Karunanithy said statements would be recorded from those individuals as part of efforts to establish the facts of the case.

“We will be calling several more individuals, and I will not comment further as the MACC is carrying out a detailed investigation,” he said when met during Thaipusam celebrations along Jalan Air Terjun here today.

Earlier, Karunanithy visited the Thaneer Panthal set up in conjunction with the festival, where 182 decorated stalls were lined along the two-kilometre stretch leading to the temple.

The Penang MACC has previously confirmed that it opened an investigation paper following allegations of abuse of power that were raised by a state assemblyman during the Penang State Legislative Assembly sitting late last year.

The commission said its investigation team had visited several related offices to obtain documents and had also recorded statements from two individuals believed to be linked to the case.

Yesterday, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government was giving the MACC full space to conduct its investigation independently and would not interfere or initiate any internal probe into the matter. - February 1, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Haze: Schools in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan to close tomorrow

Malaysia

Tun Mahathir’s health improves, but not ready to leave hospital

Malaysia

LPT3 row puts Kelantan’s infrastructure priorities under scrutiny

Malaysia

Terengganu royal family member sues two banks over RM1.99m missing from savings

Malaysia

Irene Sofiya murder probe referred to Johor prosecutors for review

Malaysia

Teacher denies negligence charges over fatal school SUV crash in Kota Bharu

Malaysia

Sulaiman Md Ali opts out of Melaka polls, will not defend Lendu

You may be interested

Malaysia

Government project contracts to be disclosed from next year - Anwar

Malaysia

Haze: Schools in Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan to close tomorrow

Malaysia

Foreign spouses do not automatically qualify as Bumiputera, says Saifuddin

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

RM5b JENDELA allocation to expand internet access in rural Malaysia

Malaysia

Students can express views or criticism without fear of prosecution - PM Anwar

Malaysia

Irene Sofiya murder probe referred to Johor prosecutors for review

Malaysia

Rantau Panjang MP injured in accident

Malaysia

Singapore solely responsible for Linggiu Dam safety, PETRA Dep Minister says