MELAKA: A former administrative assistant of the Melaka Religious Department is being remanded for five days to assist in the alleged misappropriation of funds meant as salaries for contract teachers, between 2017 and 2018, amounting to RM195,765.75.

       The remand order was issued by magistrate Mohamad Izwan Mohamed Noh in Ayer Keroh yesterday.

       The 36-year-old suspect was detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) on Tuesday after being summoned to assist in the investigation on an alleged case of falsifying documents in relation to the funds.

       The suspect was then working as an administrative assistant in the department’s human resources unit.

       The offence is being investigated under Section 18 of the MACC Act 2009, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of five times the value of the offence committed, or RM10,000, whichever is higher.

       Melaka MACC director Mohd Shahril Che Saad confirmed the arrest.