Unclaimed Funds and Online Scams: A Concern for Malaysians
Unclaimed Funds Totals RM12.8 Billion
As of January 31, a staggering RM12.8 billion in unclaimed money is waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners, according to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. In a written parliamentary reply to Kesavan Subramaniam (PH-Sungai Siput), Anwar, who is also the finance minister, highlighted the government’s efforts to raise public awareness about unclaimed funds.
Raising Public Awareness
The government has implemented several measures to ensure the public is aware of these unclaimed funds and the process to retrieve them. The National Accountant Department (JANM) has been actively conducting awareness campaigns through government and private sector events, open days, and customer service events at government offices and public venues. These initiatives allow the public to check whether they have any unclaimed money. As of 2024, a total of 158 awareness booths and programs have been held across the country.
Online Scams: A Growing Concern
Meanwhile, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that online fraud and illegal gambling have resulted in nearly RM6 billion in losses over the past five years. In a written reply to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), Saifuddin stated that according to police records, a total of RM8.85 million had been seized from illegal online gambling activities between 2019 and 2024.
However, online scams have caused significantly greater financial damage, with recorded losses amounting to RM5.77 billion over the same period. There were also 56,745 criminal charges related to online fraud crimes during this period.
Claiming Unclaimed Funds
Individuals or rightful heirs can claim their unclaimed money by submitting applications online via the eGUMIS portal or visiting the state offices of the national accountant department (JANM). To improve accessibility, unclaimed money application counters have been established in 24 state and branch offices.
Conclusion
The government’s efforts to raise public awareness about unclaimed funds are a step in the right direction. However, the growing concern of online scams highlights the importance of vigilance and caution when transacting online. It is crucial for individuals to be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from falling victim to online fraud.
FAQs
- How can I claim my unclaimed funds?
Individuals or rightful heirs can claim their unclaimed money by submitting applications online via the eGUMIS portal or visiting the state offices of the national accountant department (JANM). - How can I check if I have unclaimed funds?
You can check whether you have any unclaimed money by visiting the state offices of the national accountant department (JANM) or by using the eGUMIS portal. - How can I prevent online scams?
You can prevent online scams by being cautious when transacting online, verifying the authenticity of websites and emails, and not sharing sensitive information with unknown individuals or entities.