KUALA LUMPUR: A staggering RM5.779 billion remains unclaimed by Malaysians, all the way from 1977 up to June 30 this year.
The unclaimed money is mainly made up of inactive bank accounts, unclaimed fixed deposits that have expired, insurance payouts and interests.
The sum, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Othman Aziz, is being held in trust by the Registrar of Unclaimed Moneys in the Accountant-General’s Department.
"The total unaudited amount stands at RM8.8 billion. So far, RM1.579 billion has been returned," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the government has set up 25 counters nationwide to enable Malaysians to claim the money. Thirteen counters are in the Peninsular, seven in Sarawak, four in Sabah and another one will be opened in Putrajaya.
"Those involved in the process to acquire the unclaimed money need present themselves at any of the nearest counter, fill up the forms and attach any documents required.
"If there are no issues, the office will make approval and payment will be made within one month."
Datuk Mohd Zaim Abu Hasan (BN-Parit ) had posed a question on the steps and strategies taken by the government in tackling issues of Unclaimed Money (WTD).