Rayhar Travels Sdn Bhd has explained that their listing in the MACC's civil forfeiture suits involved the preparation of umrah (Muslim pilgrimage) packages.
In a statement last night, the company said it had received payment from "an individual" who sponsored umrah packages in 2013 for people from the Pekan area in Pahang.
"In 2018, we were informed by the authorities that the cheque was believed to be from an AmBank account held by a former prime minister," said the company.
The company urged its customers not to worry because it has been cooperating with the authorities since 2018 and its operations were business as usual.
The company said it issued its statement to avoid "confusion" due to its involvement with the MACC action.
The MACC is attempting to recover RM270 million allegedly misappropriated from 1MDB which flowed through former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak's bank accounts.
In all, 41 local entities and individuals are being targetted in civil forfeiture suits which will be heard before the courts on June 25 and July 10, 24 and 31.
Of the total amount sought, RM212 million is related to Umno.
MACC chief Latheefa Koya (above) explained that under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (Amla), the onus was on the recipient to declare funds the origins of which cannot be accounted for.
She said those 41 entities and individuals can challenge the suit by, for instance, proving that they had sold something in exchange for the money.
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