KOTA TINGGI: Three men who were collecting donations in front of a bank here were each fined RM2,000 by the Syariah Court today.
All three, aged between their 20s and 30s, were found guilty of collecting donations without authorisation at several locations around the district.
They were charged under Section 106 of the Johor Islamic Religious Administration Enactment 2003.
The Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ), in a statement, said the men were detained between 5pm and 6.30pm yesterday, and investigations revealed that they were not from the state.
“They were arrested at banks in Kota Tinggi and Bandar Penawar. Also seized were collection boxes containing cash amounting to RM155.80, RM25.10, and RM81.
“The donation boxes were promoted for the development of orphanages, mosque construction, and hostel facilities for orphans in other states, accompanied by supporting letters and photos to mislead the public.
“However, those documents had nothing to do with any authorised fundraising activity in Johor. The group was also found to be travelling together by car and staying overnight at mosques in Johor Bahru,” the statement said.
According to JAINJ, during the operation, several other members of the group managed to flee upon seeing the enforcement officers.
Earlier, JAINJ enforcement officers carried out the raid with the cooperation of local village heads and community leaders.
JAINJ advised the public not to contribute to dubious or unauthorised fundraising activities, and reminded those intending to seek donations to do so through proper channels by applying via the District Kadi Office.
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