A police report has been lodged against government-linked charitable foundation Yayasan Pembangunan Ekonomi Islam Malaysia (Yapeim) over claims that it abused funds meant for orphans.

The report was lodged by National Oversight and Whistleblowers Centre (NOW) director Akmal Nasir at the Dang Wangi police headquarters today.

Akmal explained the report was lodged to facilitate investigation papers against Yapeim to be opened.

“The report today is also for relevant quarters to be investigated, whether they had abused their powers or otherwise.

“That’s why we hope the police will investigate them,” he told reporters in front of the police headquarters today.

NOW last Friday claimed minister in charge of Islamic affairs Jamil Khir Baharom’s trip to the United States which had cost RM410,978, was allegedly paid for by Yapeim through a subsidiary fund meant for orphans and poor children.

Citing invoices billed to Yayasan Pembangunan Anak Yatim/Miskin (Pemangkin) that it obtained, Akmal had said the trip to Washington DC, Iowa and Minnesota from May 21 to 29, 2014, involved golf and trips to shopping malls.

Jamil however said that the round of golf was organised by Education Malaysia (EM) for him, the ambassador and embassy staff.

“Therefore claims that I had gone to the US for leisure using orphans’ money is slander meant to undermine my credibility and dignity as minister in the prime minister’s department,” Jamil had responded.

He gave Akmal 24 hours since Friday to apologise or face legal action. Akmal however refused to do so and has instead lodged the aforementioned police report.