GEORGE TOWN: Penang Zakat will conduct its own internal investigation into an alleged graft involving five of its officers including its chief executive officer.
State Islamic Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kasim said a committee has been formed and investigations will commence soon.
"The Penang Islamic Religious Council's finance committee, chaired by the State Finance Officer, will spearhead the internal inquiry.
"They will look into the agency's operations and report to the Penang Islamic Religious Council on their findings," he told newsmen here today.
Abdul Malik said the committee would comprise the Penang Zakat's audit committee, state's internal chief auditor, state treasurer and officers from the council.
The five Penang Zakat officers were arrested earlier this month for allegedly accepting valuable items, cheques and cash from contractors as incentives to be awarded projects or work-related programmes.
The Penang Zakat CEO, who has a 'Datuk' title, is also believed to have helped himself to education aid and scholarships for his child without going through the Penang Islamic Affairs Department.