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A TOTAL of 63 individuals have been called by the Penang Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to record statements regarding abuse of power involving senior state government officials in land purchases and misuse of zakat funds for housing loan balance payments.
Sources said that all the individuals were summoned today, and at the same time, the MACC is also intensifying the investigation that began in mid-January by reviewing accounts suspected of being involved in corruption.
Among the individuals summoned to record statements are members of the State Islamic Religious Council, Mufti, State Secretary, Financial Officer, Legal Advisor, officers and staff of the State Islamic Religious Council.
At the same time, the Penang MACC also summoned members of the Zakat Board, state zakat officers and staff.
"MACC has summoned all individuals in stages as soon as the investigation papers are opened to record statements.
"Initial investigations found that the main suspect, who is also a senior state government officer, along with a member of the State Islamic Religious Council, used their respective positions to propose and approve the purchase of three lots of land at a price of approximately RM10 million.
"For another case being investigated, the main suspect, along with the state Zakat Distribution General Manager, misused zakat funds through the Inapan Kasih and Financial Assistance Scheme totalling approximately RM184,000 to pay for the settlement of the remaining housing loan of an asnaf without following the procedures set by the state zakat," he said.
At the end of January, the Penang MACC opened an investigation paper regarding the abuse of power involving senior state government officers in the purchase of land using zakat funds.
This followed the disclosure by a State Assemblyman (ADUN) in the state sitting at the end of last year.
Meanwhile, Penang MACC Director, Datuk Karunanithy Y Subbiah, when contacted, confirmed the investigation and said the case was being investigated under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. – March 2, 2026