Ex-Temple Chairman Nabbed by MACC Over RM50,000 Fraud Linked to Fake Repair Claims

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has arrested a former temple chairman in connection with the alleged misappropriation of RM50,000 in temple funds, believed to have been siphoned through a bogus consultancy claim.

The suspect, a man in his 70s, was detained on Thursday afternoon (April 2) at the Selangor MACC office, where he had voluntarily appeared to provide a statement. Authorities say the arrest follows ongoing investigations into financial irregularities tied to the temple’s management.

Preliminary findings indicate that the offense dates back to November 2021, when the suspect allegedly conspired with another individual who was arrested earlier in March to submit a fraudulent invoice worth RM50,000. The invoice purportedly covered consultancy services for repair works at the temple, but investigators later found that no such work had been carried out.

The case has drawn attention to broader governance issues surrounding the temple, which was established in the 1950s and primarily funded through donations from Hindu devotees. Investigators are now scrutinizing its financial practices and sources of income.

Authorities also revealed that the temple’s registration was revoked by the Registrar of Societies in October 2024. Further checks found that the structure had been built on government land without proper legal authorization, raising additional compliance concerns.

“The absence of proper registration meant there was limited oversight of the temple’s financial management, creating opportunities for misuse of funds,” a source said.

Selangor MACC director Mohd Azwan Ramli confirmed the arrest and stated that the case is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which pertains to false claims. He added that both suspects are expected to face charges in court in the near future.

The investigation underscores ongoing efforts by anti-corruption authorities to clamp down on financial misconduct, including within religious and charitable institutions.