KUALA LUMPUR: The Accountant General's Department has recorded over RM14bil in unclaimed money as of Sept 30, 2026, says Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

The Finance Minister II said a lack of awareness and knowledge among the public regarding the existence of such unclaimed funds as well as their right to file claims, are among the primary factors contributing to this total.

"Other factors include the failure to locate the owners of the funds due to contact information, such as addresses and telephone numbers, being outdated or inaccurate as well as a lack of awareness regarding the existence of unclaimed money, particularly when owners are unaware that there are funds still owed to them by entities or companies," he said during his winding-up speech for the Finance Ministry at the committee-stage debate on the Supply Bill in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday (Nov 3).

Amir Hamzah added that the government has initiated several measures to simplify the refund process for original owners, including those in rural areas.

"The eGumis portal makes it easier for the public to check for and make claims online," he explained.

At the same time, the department is strengthening efforts to raise awareness and improve access to its services for the public, said Amir Hamzah.

"As of Oct 30, the department has conducted 176 unclaimed money-related outreach programmes nationwide, compared to 89 programmes organised in 2025," he said. – Bernama