Malaysia

Akmal says public donations hit RM174k, redirects funds to the needy

The Umno Youth chief says proceeds from the sale of his motorcycle and farmed tilapia have brought him closer to his RM300,000 court-ordered payment to DAP veteran Teresa Kok

Updated 39 minutes ago · Published on 23 Oct 2026 1:27PM

Akmal says public donations hit RM174k, redirects funds to the needy
Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh says he intends to channel donations received towards people in need - October 23, 2026

UMNO Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh has asked the public to stop sending him money and said he intends to distribute the donations received to those in need, as fundraising efforts towards his RM300,000 legal liability continue.

The Merlimau assemblyman said donations had reached RM173,733.61, while the sale of his Honda X-ADV motorcycle and farmed tilapia raised a further RM180,000.

He said a friend bought the motorcycle for RM150,000, while the sale of all the tilapia in his pond generated nearly RM30,000 after three days of bidding.

“Together with my family’s savings, God willing, this should bring the total to RM300,000 by next week.

“I would also like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped and prayed for me,” he said in a Facebook post on Friday.

Akmal said he wanted contributors’ permission to channel the donations to people who needed assistance, adding that he would publish details of the distribution on social media.

He urged the public not to transfer any more money to his account to ensure the distribution process could proceed smoothly.

The fundraising drive followed a Melaka High Court order requiring Akmal to pay general and aggravated damages to DAP veteran Teresa Kok, as well as an injunction barring him from making defamatory statements against the Seputeh MP in future.

Akmal had offered his motorcycle and tilapia for bidding among supporters and friends to raise funds for the court-ordered payment and legal costs. - October 23, 2026

Spotlight

Malaysia

Young Malaysians record highest rates of depression - Dr Dzulkefly

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Bandar Utama schoolgirl stabbing: Court allows media coverage, orders teenager’s identity protected

Malaysia

LLM apologises for TuJu navigation disruptions amid surge in users

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

3,510 medical officers resign, more than half join private sector

Malaysia

Police await AGC’s directions on Negeri Sembilan MB’s forced-signature claim

Malaysia

Truck drivers top list of motorists caught driving under influence of drugs in Penang

Malaysia

Govt approves 17 measures to tighten airport security after alleged drug-smuggling case

Malaysia

Waze ban driven by legal, data security concerns, says Gobind

Malaysia

Police to disclose findings on Kuching school attack next Tuesday

You may be interested

Malaysia

Efforts to trace 54 missing nationals continues - Foreign Minister

Malaysia

PN fallout: PAS turns focus to Umno as BN-PAS seat deal sealed for Melaka polls

Malaysia

Rafizi hands Ramanan’s remarks to lawyers after ‘serial liar’ accusation

Malaysia

Melaka police seek 1,500 reinforcements as state poll approaches

Malaysia

Hassan disappointed by ministers’ absence during Budget 2027 debate

Malaysia

Selangor accounts for six of 17 areas hit by unhealthy haze

Malaysia

Teacher injured in attempt to disarm student carrying sharp object at Kuching school

Malaysia

Customs records 2,333 cigarette-smuggling cases worth RM476m in eight months