KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 11 -- The absence of clear laws governing online crowdfunding has opened the door to widespread abuse of public donations, Malaysia's top anti-graft official has warned, as authorities probe alleged misuse linked to high-profile fundraising campaigns.

According to the New Straits Times (NST), Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said irresponsible actors were exploiting social media to solicit funds for religious or charitable causes, only for the money to be diverted for personal use.

"There are cases where people purportedly collect donations to build a mosque, but the money is instead given to their wives. This is very saddening," he said.

Azam was responding to a Harian Metro ...