KUCHING - A PROBE into allegations that Malaysia's first astronaut Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Sheikh Mustapha has amassed RM1.2 million (S$500,000) from payments for the talks he gave on his experience in space will begin on Tuesaday.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Fadillah Yusof said on Sunday that the investigation will be conducted by a committee to be set up after the deadline for receiving reports and complaints from the public ends on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at a family day event, he said the ministry had received complaints since the allegation surfaced but did not give details.

'We urge the public not to come with only letters of complaint but to substantiate their complaints with solid evidence such as receipts as proof of payment, or invoices and all written attachments or correspondence related to any event attended by him (Dr Sheikh Muszaphar),' he said.

Failure to furnish solid evidence would leave the ministry with no choice but to regard the complaints as mere allegations, he said.

'Our target is to complete (the probe) by early December,' he added.

Dr Sheikh Muszaphar is alleged to have charged RM8,000 per hour for talks since his return from the International Space Station in October last year.

He has been quoted as saying that he had accepted contributions when he spoke at events but denied receiving up to RM8,000 an hour. -- AP