GEORGE TOWN: The government, through the Accountant General's Department will conduct workshops in collaboration with elected representatives' offices in every state to provide information sessions on unclaimed monies.
Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying said this initiative was part of the ministry's efforts to heighten public awareness regarding unclaimed funds in light of the substantial sum of unclaimed money, which stood at RM11.7 billion as of Dec 31 last year.
"According to records, in the first half of last year the unclaimed monies amounted to approximately RM11.3 billion and this increased to RM11.7 billion within a six-month period which is a significant amount.
"These unclaimed funds originate from unclaimed bank accounts, insurance and dividends. The ministry, through the Accountant General's Department, will host workshops at parliamentary and state assemblymen's service centres, starting in Penang on Feb 6," she told reporters after a walkabout to meet traders ahead of the Chinese New Year celebration at Chowrasta Market today.
During these workshops, the department will offer comprehensive briefings to representatives' office staff, empowering them to assist the public in checking and claiming any unclaimed amounts.
"We'll evaluate the success of this pilot project in Penang and make improvements. If successful, we'll extend these workshops to other states, enhancing information dissemination and public awareness for individuals to check and claim their money," she said.
She said the public could also check the eGumis portal, with payments credited to the recipient's account within 30 days on submission of their claims with the necessary documents.
Lim said the government had not appointed any party as agents to get updates or submit claims while cautioning the public against falling victim to scams exploiting the situation.
On the Rahmah Cash Contribution (STR), Lim highlighted a 26 per cent increase in the first-phase allocation this year, reaching RM2.1 billion compared to RM1.6 billion last year, which will benefit 8.2 million eligible recipients.
"This year, the government increased the first phase payment to RM500 for household recipients, up from the previous maximum of RM300, which aims to help a substantial portion of the population in coping with the escalating cost of living," she said. – BERNAMA
