KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): Monies totalling RM14 billion in Malaysia are unclaimed as of September this year, as most of the beneficiaries are unaware what is owed to them or delay making claims.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said low public awareness, outdated contact details and difficulties proving entitlement are among the reasons funds have not been returned to their owners. 

Some beneficiaries are also unaware that companies or other entities owed them money, while others had died without their heirs or estate administrators knowing the funds existed, he added. 

“(Some) owners have not taken steps to claim the money despite knowing that unclaimed funds exist, because of privacy concerns or time constraints,” Amir said when winding up the committee-stage debate on Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday. 

Heirs or representatives could also face difficulties obtaining documents proving their right to the money, the minister added. 

Unclaimed money can include unpaid salaries, dividends, approved insurance payouts, refundable deposits and balances in inactive bank accounts.

Amir Hamzah said the government was taking steps to simplify repayments to rightful owners, including those in rural areas. 

Through the eGUMIS portal run by the Accountant General’s Department, individuals and organisations can check for unclaimed money and submit claims online without charge.

The system was also integrated with MyGov Malaysia in January to improve access, he said. 

According to the Accountant General website, there is no deadline or minimum amount for claiming money surrendered to the Registrar of Unclaimed Moneys. Applicants must establish their ownership or legal entitlement to the funds.

The Federal Expenditure Estimates 2027 provides RM30 million for repayments of unclaimed money, unchanged from the 2026 estimate.

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