In the context of eGUMIS, unclaimed money refers to funds that are rightfully owed to individuals but have not yet been claimed by them. These funds can be found in various sources such as bank accounts, insurance policies, and government programs, among others.
Unclaimed money is categorized into three distinct groups as follows:
- Unsettled salary, bonuses, dividends, insurance claims, and other outstanding payments that have remained unclaimed for a minimum of one year.
- Dormant savings, current, and fixed deposit accounts that have been inactive for a period of at least seven years.
- Funds associated with a trade account that has been inactive for a minimum of two years.
What is the total amount of unclaimed money in Malaysia?
According to estimates by the Accountant General’s Department of Malaysia (JANM), there is an approximate total of RM11 billion in unclaimed money belonging to the public as of March 2023. This unclaimed money is held by various entities such as banks, insurance agencies, and government organizations.
Previously, individuals had to physically visit a Registrar of Unclaimed Money counter to search for unclaimed money and submit reimbursement requests. However, the introduction of the Electronic Government Unclaimed Money Information System (eGUMIS) portal by JANM now allows for online accessibility.
eGUMIS serves as a central database for unclaimed funds in Malaysia and currently boasts nearly 4.4 million registered users. It is an excellent resource for individuals who are unsure if they have any unclaimed money, as it provides a convenient platform to search for potential funds that they may be entitled to.
When the portal was initially launched in 2020, users could only check for unclaimed money and had to submit a physical application or send an email to JANM. However, the process has now been streamlined, enabling users to initiate the entire refund process through the site itself.
To utilize eGUMIS, users need to create an account and provide basic personal information. Once registered, they can search for unclaimed funds by entering their name and identification number (MyKad number).
If eGUMIS identifies any unclaimed money owed to the user, the portal will display the amount and the source of the funds. For those who have their documentation ready, applying for a refund through eGUMIS is a simple and efficient process that can be completed within minutes.
The following are the steps for checking for unclaimed money using eGUMIS:
1. Register
Go to the eGUMIS website: https://egumis.anm.gov.my/ and click on the “Register” button in the upper right corner to register a new account. Fill in the relevant information, such as your complete name and identification card number, and mark the required fields before clicking the “Submit” button.
2. Log In
You will be prompted to update your profile when you first log in. Use the user ID and password you created during registration to log in and update the necessary user data.
3. Search
You will be directed to the eGUMIS dashboard once your profile has been updated. To begin your search, click “Click here to check for unclaimed moneys” and enter the identification number that you want to search for.
Search results will appear below if there is any unclaimed money owed to the identification number you submitted. Click the “Proceed To Application” button to continue. Please bear in mind that you can only check two searches per day.
4. Add payee details
The application form will be automatically generated, and the user will need to fill out the information regarding the person who should receive the reimbursed money. Click “Add Payee” to fill in the payee information, then click “Next”.
5. Upload relevant documents
You’ll then be required to upload the necessary documents to finish the application. Verify the needed fields and add the necessary supporting documents.
Copies of your MyKad, passport, or other form of identification are needed, along with a copy of your most recent bank statement. A birth or marriage certificate, for example, may be required if you are claiming these monies on behalf of a parent or spouse.
Click “Next” once you have finished uploading the papers. You will see a message stating that your “Record has been successfully submitted” after completing the application.
6. Receiving the payment
You will be notified via email by eGUMIS that your application has been accepted if your documents have been successfully verified. Upon receipt of the notification, your payment will be credited to your bank account within 30 working days.
You will get a notification from eGUMIS asking you to log back into the site and reupload the appropriate documents if your documents could not be confirmed. You can log into the portal anytime to check the status of your application.
Tips to increase your chances of finding unclaimed money:
Make it a habit to regularly check the eGUMIS portal as the database undergoes frequent updates. Each time you revisit, there’s a chance you may uncover additional funds that were not previously listed.
Expand your search beyond yourself and consider looking for unclaimed funds on behalf of your spouse and other family members, including parents or children. They too might have funds waiting to be claimed.
The process of checking for unclaimed money is straightforward, and the potential outcome can be significant. Taking the time to explore eGUMIS and search for any unclaimed funds that may belong to you is highly recommended. You never know what financial surprises await you.