Penang Deputy Chief Minister I, Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid, returned to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in George Town today, March 3, 2026, to assist in an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of zakat funds. His return follows a lengthy seven-hour session yesterday, where he was questioned regarding a land purchase deal involving the Penang Islamic Religious Council. He was seen entering the state MACC headquarters in a Toyota Vellfire at approximately 9:15 am, reportedly using a rear entrance to avoid the waiting media. 

The probe centers on two main allegations: a RM10 million purchase of three lots of land and the misuse of roughly RM184,000 from the Inapan Kasih and Financial Assistance Scheme. The MACC has intensified its investigation since mid-January after a state assemblyman raised the issue during a legislative session late last year. To date, 63 individuals, including members of the Zakat Board, the Mufti, and various state senior officials, have been summoned to record their statements under Section 23 of the MACC Act 2009. 

While Mohamad has reaffirmed his full cooperation with the anti-graft body, he has declined to make public comments to avoid interfering with the transparent investigation. Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting, with PAS Information Chief Fawwaz Jan calling for the Deputy CM to resign from his religious administration roles to restore public confidence. The investigation continues to review bank accounts and governance procedures to determine if any abuse of position for gratification occurred.