The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has been urged to immediately investigate a report by Petra Jaya PKR committee member Ramlee Mahtar, alleging that the Baitulmal fund in Sarawak has been misused.

Sarawak PKR women’s wing head Nurhanim Mokhsen noted in a statement today that the report, lodged last Friday, also indicates that the fund has been ‘abused and mismanaged’.

“As a Muslim and contributor to the Baitulmal Fund, I feel very distressed upon reading the article in ‘Sarawak Report’,” she said.

“We are confused as to the accuracy of the report but, at the same time, (we’re) very concerned with this issue as it affects the Malay/Muslim community and their obligatory contributions to the fund.”

NONE Nurhanim took note of the “tendency of late” for the Baitulmal Board to “invest in properties and grand buildings”.

“We know that the Baitulmal Fund is to be used for very specific purposes, particularly welfare for the poor and their education,” she said, pointing out that she has personal knowledge of poor and deserving students being refused assistance.

“For accountability and transparency ...., it is necessary for Baitulmal to make public its annual accounts .... on the management and utilisation of this public fund.”

She also said it is imperative for Daud Abdul Rahman ( above ), the chairperson of the fund and assistant minister in charge of Islamic affairs in the state, to clarify  the “damaging and serious allegation” that he had awarded a mega-building project by Baitulmal to his own company.

Meanwhile, the Sarawak Baitulmal Fund has today refuted the claim, with its general manager Abang Mohammad Shibli Abang Mohd Nailie stating that the fund did not use the tithe money for development purposes.

According to Bernama , he said they first require approval from the state mufti office before funds received can be used, based on set guidelines.

"All information concerning collection and use of the tithe money are stated in the financial statement, which will be audited annually by the National Audit Department," he reportedly said.

He also dismissed the allegation that the fund did not make public its financial statement, stating it publishes the statement in its periodical bulletin.

The writer, who uses a pseudonym, is based in Sarawak.