THE Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 41 bank accounts belonging to Aman Palestin Bhd amounting to RM15.86 million.

The anti-graft agency, in a statement, said since October 17 it has raided the organisation’s office and seized financial and operational management documents for the past five years.

“The investigation was conducted to obtain information regarding offences under the MACC Act 2009, the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, and the Penal Code (Act 574).

“The MACC has taken statements from witnesses and preliminary investigation has identified several issues involving the misappropriation of funds estimated at RM70 million, which was diverted for purposes other than the objectives of the establishment of the company,” MACC said.

Aman Palestin had said it will extend its full cooperation to MACC.

The organisation, which claims to be a not-for-profit outfit, has been collecting funds from the public to be channelled to Palestinians over the last few years.

Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, in a letter dated August 24, had instructed the state Islamic Religious Affairs Department not to allow the collection of funds by Aman Palestin in places of worship and religious premises.

He had expressed reservations about the company’s collection and distribution of funds, calling for more transparency on the matter.

Subsequently, the state religious authority suspended fund collections by Aman Palestin in Perlis effective October 12, pending the completion of a probe. – November 23, 2023.