KUALA LUMPUR: The public is urged to think rationally before making any form of donations to social media influencers or NGOs on the pretext of helping the less fortunate, says Comm Datuk Seri Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf.

The Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director said that easily sympathizing with those facing hardship has opened up opportunities for certain quarters to take advantage of their generosity in the guise of collecting donations.

He advised the public to be more careful in giving donations, especially involving suspicious individuals or unregistered associations.

"The public must ensure their donations are given to registered organizations that have undergone audits.

"Donations currently not only involve helping during disasters but for help with paying legal fees and even for the purchase of animals for 'korban' purposes overseas

Comm Ramli said generally, Malaysians are caring but they must know where their sincere donations are going to.

"Be careful as unscrupulous people are waiting to take advantage. If they are not, their noble deed will end up as a police report against an NGO or individual.

"Don't donate without knowing the background of an influencer or an NGO," he said.