30,000 societies deregistered for contravening regulations, says Zahid

KUALA TERENGGANU: Almost 30,000 societies have been deregistered for contravening regulations since the Registry of Societies began to digitise its records four years ago.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the errant societies that made up 44 per cent of the 66,828 in its records had failed to conform to the Societies Act 1966 and were detected after RoS did away with postal correspondence.

“Despite repeated warnings in recent years, the errant organisations failed to furnish their statement of accounts, details of their meetings and even did not hold their mandatory annual general meetings as scheduled.

“Thus, RoS had to be firm as it was not given any choice other than to cancel their registrations,” Zahid said at the National Societies Carnival 2017 at Dataran Batu Burok yesterday.

Zahid, who is also home minister, said RoS needed to take drastic measures to safeguard the dignity and interests of all.

“My ministry is committed to ensure the security, peace and harmony of the country and its people is guaranteed.

“It is vital for all levels of society, especially non-governmental organisations, to adhere to this agenda,” said Zahid.

Since the digitalisation exercise, all correspondence with RoS, concerning enquiries, registration, certification and updates, is done online.

Over 1,404 organisations are registered with RoS, which comes under the purview of the Home Ministry.

It was given a RM40 million allocation under the 2017 Budget for residents’ associations to carry out crime prevention, antidadah, cleanliness and maintenance activities.

Zahid said he was aware of many deregistered organisations, including one that represented uniformed veterans under his ministry’s purview, which had their assets frozen.

“I hope the dormant deregistered organisations will be proactive for the sake of their members’ interests, as RoS provides financial aid to active ones.

“They can appeal, and the minister can use its discretion, on a case by case basis.

“The affected organisations can even pool their resources with others with similar activities,” said Zahid.

He cited how motorcyclists had united to form the Amalgamated Motorcycle Union of Malaysia with two million members.

“This allows for greater interaction between kapcai (cub) riders with superbikers.

“They are now one of the largest organisations in the country and have a greater voice, and highlight their needs for accessories and the like,” he said.

Zahid commended Terengganu for constructing the drag bike track in Gong Badak for youths to test their motorcycle skills, rather than take to public streets to race illegally.

“I have proposed to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to consider reducing taxes on motorcycles in the 2018 Budget.”