KUALA LUMPUR: Police have advised the public to ensure donations are made only to registered organisations that undergo audit processes.
Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said the public's compassion and sympathy towards aiding those affected by disasters have opened doors for unscrupulous individuals to exploit under the guise of charitable donations.
He said it was important for the public to know how their donation funds are being used.
"The public must ensure they donate only to registered organisations that undergo audit processes… and that these contributions are directed to the rightful party.
"Donations and contributions now not only involve disaster relief but also extend to matters like paying legal fees and contributions for purchasing animals for korban abroad.
"The bank accounts of these donation-collecting organisations must undergo audit processes to ensure that the donated funds are channeled to the rightful party," he told reporters.
Ramli said this when asked to comment on several arrests involving individuals and social media influencers related to recent donation fund misappropriation issues.
Yesterday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remanded four people, including a married couple who are influencers, suspected of being involved in the misappropriation of public donation funds.
According to sources, the suspects, comprising three men and a woman in their 20s and 30s, were detained between 6.30pm and 11pm the night before when they came to give statements at the MACC headquarters.