In a statement today, PAS secretary-general Takiyuddin Hassan said such measures are necessary to ensure zakat contributors and the public are fully aware of how funds are managed and distributed.

Takiyuddin said transparency must be embedded as a core practice in zakat administration, alongside stronger governance structures, clearer procedures, and consistent monitoring.

“At its core, this controversy is an issue of governance and integrity.

“Questions regarding zakat fund management require convincing explanations and proper accountability, including from the state government,” he said.

“Trust is the foundation of the zakat system. If confidence declines or collapses, the ultimate victims will be the poor and needy who depend on timely and effective assistance.”

He added that the incident has also raised the possibility of structural and systemic weaknesses in the monitoring and distribution of zakat funds.

Takiyuddin added that recent statements issued by various agencies, including the Islamic development department, have revealed “inconsistencies and confusion” regarding jurisdiction, legal authority, and institutional accountability.

“The public has a right to know the roles, powers, and responsibilities of each agency or authority involved in zakat administration,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) arrested three men, including the deputy chairman of an NGO, for allegedly misappropriating RM230 million in zakat funds.

The deputy chairman is alleged to have transferred the RM230 million into his company’s bank accounts for personal and investment purposes.

MACC has seized 18 luxury vehicles, including Porsches and a Mercedes-Benz, as well as luxury watches as part of the probe.

It has also seized more than RM18.3 million worth of immovable assets comprising seven residential properties, three office units, and four plots of land.

The anti-graft agency has also frozen 33 bank accounts with funds amounting to RM120 million.