After much debate about his involvement in embezzling donations, Alif Teega was finally charged. On 20th September 2024 (Friday), the social media influencer was charged with misappropriating funds totalling RM63,605 collected from two donation programmes.
Alif, whose full name is Mohd Hazalif Mohd Hazani, pleaded not guilty to two changes before Judge Azura Ali at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur. For his first charge, the 30-year-old was accused of dishonestly misusing RM36,047.35 in cash at a local bank on 26th April 2024. The money was donated to the Infaq Iftar programme for Muslims in Mecca, Syria and Palestine. For the second charge, Alif was accused of dishonestly misusing RM27,558.13 in cash at the same bank on 15th June 2024. The money was from the Jom! Sertai Infaq Daging Qurban donation programme.
The charges were made under Section 403 of the Penal Code, and each charge carries a jail term of six months to five years, along with whipping and a fine. Alif was granted an RM50,000 bail with conditions, including surrendering his passport and reporting to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) monthly until the case concluded. The media personality did request a reduction in bail to RM10,000 but was denied.
These charges come after Alif and his wife, Aisyah Hijanah, were arrested in July for embezzlement. The pair then received backlash for their response to the arrest, with some even criticising them for using their religion to feign innocence. Following their arrest and continued backlash, Aisyah filed for divorce from Alif earlier this month. However, she was present during his court case, where she spoke to reporters and assured them that the two would fully cooperate with authorities until the case concluded.
We have yet to know the final verdict, but the case is scheduled for mention on 21st October. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think Alif is innocent or guilty?
Sources: Malay Mail, mStar
