Former temple chairman held over alleged RM50,000 fund misappropriation in Selangor

MALAYSIAN Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigators in Selangor have detained a former temple chairman in connection with the alleged misappropriation of approximately RM50,000 in temple funds.

The male suspect, believed to be in his 70s, was arrested at around 3pm on April 2 while giving a statement at the Selangor MACC office, according to sources.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is alleged to have committed the offence in November 2021, acting in collusion with another individual who was arrested in March, by submitting an invoice claiming RM50,000 for consultancy services purportedly linked to temple repair works.

"Initial investigations found that the suspect is believed to have committed the act in November 2021 and colluded with another individual who was arrested in March by submitting an invoice claiming RM50,000 for consultancy services for repair works at the temple.

"However, the works are believed to have never been carried out and were merely a ruse to mislead the temple’s management," the source said.

Investigators are also examining the temple’s governance structure, with attention drawn to its long history dating back to the 1950s and its reliance on donations from Hindu worshippers as its primary source of funding.

Findings further revealed that the temple’s registration had been revoked by the Registrar of Societies Malaysia in October 2024, and that the structure was built on government land without proper authorisation.

"The unregistered status of the temple resulted in a lack of oversight by authorities over its financial management and expenditure, thereby creating opportunities for the misappropriation of public donations.

"This misappropriation is believed to have affected the temple’s operations and welfare, including disrupting religious activities and eroding devotees’ trust in the institution’s management," the source added.

Selangor MACC director Mohd Azwan Ramli confirmed the arrest when contacted, stating that the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009.

He added that both suspects are expected to be charged in the near future. - April 5, 2026