SHAH ALAM, April 22 — The Selangor Zakat Board (LZS) has said that it has no connection to the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds amounting to RM230 million, which is currently under investigation by the authorities.
Its chief executive officer Mohd Khaidzir Shahari said the institution operates as the state's official zakat authority under the supervision of the Selangor Islamic Religious Council (MAIS), and is governed by legal provisions as well as a comprehensive governance and regulatory framework with checks and balances.
“Zakat fund management also undergoes multiple layers of audit and monitoring, including internal and external audits, as well as reviews by the authorities, to ensure that all zakat funds are managed in an orderly and controlled manner.
“LZS has taken note of media reports on the arrest of several individuals in connection with the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds amounting to about RM230 million currently under investigation, and stresses that the case involves a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and has no connection with LZS or the management of zakat by the institution,” he said in a statement today.
Khaidzir added that they maintain a firm stance against any misuse of zakat funds and would always ensure that zakat management is carried out in accordance with the established governance framework.
As such, LZS will not issue further comments as the investigation is still ongoing, and advised the public to refer to its official channels for accurate information and to make zakat payments through www.zakatselangor.com.my.
He also reminded all parties not to spread false information on the matter, as it could cause confusion and undermine public confidence in the zakat institution.
Earlier today, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) detained two men, including the deputy chairman of an NGO, for four days starting today to assist in its investigations into the alleged misappropriation.
The suspects, aged 57 and 61, were arrested yesterday afternoon in an operation around the Klang Valley, while another man in his 50s was detained at 2pm on the same day when he turned up to give a statement at the Selangor MACC office.
