Alleged embezzlement of tithe money: Five ZPP officers to be attached to MAINPP

Five Penang Zakat Centre (ZPP) officers who have been released from remand in connection with the alleged embezzlement of tithe money in the state will be attached to Penang Islamic Religious Council (MAINPP) pending completion of the case.

State Islamic Religious Affairs, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Malik Abul Kassim said all the officers were also told to go on leave before reporting for duty at MAINPP next week.

"The question on who among them will continue serving at the ZPP Office will be decided at the ZPP Board of Directors meeting next Monday," he told a press conference here on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Abdul Malik said Penang Islamic Affairs Department director Datuk Sazali Hussain had been appointed as acting ZPP chief executive officer.

He said the ZPP had also set up a finance committee chaired by the state financial officer to conduct an investigation into the agency's operations.

Abdul Malik said the committee comprised the ZPP's audit committee, state's internal chief auditor, state treasurer and MAINPP officer as the secretary.

"The committee has convened a meeting and will begin with their tasks as soon as possible," he said.

A total of 15 individuals, including seven ZPP senior officers and contractors were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) since May 9 to facilitate in the investigation into alleged embezzlement of tithe money meant for community development projects over the past three years.

All of them, however, have been released on MACC bail.

-- BERNAMA