RM5.8 billion remains unclaimed by Malaysians - Othman Aziz

An astonishing RM5.779 billion worth of unclaimed money by Malaysians has been held in trust by the Registrar of Unclaimed Moneys in the Accountant-General’s Department up to June 30 this year.

Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Othman Aziz said it covers over 55 million accounts including saving, current and business accounts since 1977.

“Those involved must present themselves at any of the nearest counters to review and claim their money,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was answering additional questions posed by Datuk Mohd Zaim Abu Hasan (BN-Parit) on the steps and strategies that would be taken by the government in tackling the issues of unclaimed money.

He said the government has set up 25 counters nationwide, 13 in the Peninsular, seven in Sarawak and four in Sabah and another one will be opened in Putrajaya.

He said as a trustee, the government has full responsibilities over the money and has to keep it safe until it is claimed.

Unclaimed money is money that, by law, has to be paid back to the rightful owners within a specific period of time, as prescribed under the Unclaimed Money Act 1965.