Kelantan police chief Yusoff Mamat said discussions between the police and the Kelantan Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (MAIK) revealed that almost half of all madrasahs in the state are not registered, Berita Harian reported.

“We are concerned that some of these madrasahs may be used as fronts for money laundering,” he was quoted as saying.

“We have received information that several people from other states have contributed up to RM2 million to these madrasahs, purportedly to seek prayers and blessings.”

He said their possible involvement in money laundering could be one reason why these madrasahs have refused to register with MAIK.

Yusoff reminded the public, especially those intending to donate to madrasahs, to first verify whether the institutions are registered and certified by the relevant authorities.