JITRA: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged unregistered non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to register themselves before undertaking any activities.
Zahid said although there were numerous NGOs in Malaysia, many have yet to officially register with the Registrar of Societies (RoS).
"If you have not registered, please do so in due course. Don't go looking for cheap publicity if the pro-tem committee has yet to apply to the RoS,” he said.
Zahid, who is also Home Minister, cautioned illegal NGOs that failure to register could see legal action taken against them.
“Legal action can be taken under the Societies Act 1966. Don’t wait until that happens and you’ll then have to apologise. Do not blame others,” he told a press conference after opening the National Societies Festival at the Darulaman Lake, here this afternoon.
Present were Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Alwi Ibrahim, RoS director-general Datuk Mohammad Razin Abdullah, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.
Zahid said there were also societies which were legal entities but served as a front for unscrupulous activities.
"There are gang members who hide behind religious activities to make it seem as if their activities are legitimate. There are also others who channel illegally-obtained funds to NGOs, purportedly for social activities.
“The RoS is monitoring all these. Do not think they do not know. I hope the ministry and the RoS will take action accordingly, " Zahid added.