Beri individu tanpa kerakyatan akses perbankan, gesa Badan Peguam

Badan Peguam has called on the banking industry and regulators to urgently address the issue of financial and economic exemptions for underprivileged individuals who lack bank accounts. PETALING JAYA: The body's president, Anand Raj, emphasized that many underprivileged individuals face nearly insurmountable barriers to accessing basic banking services due to the absence of recognized identification documents.

He stated that despite the current era, the banking industry and regulators have not yet utilized biometric and advanced technology to enable financial inclusion for these individuals. Raj proposed alternative forms of documentation, such as school and medical records, as well as technologically driven identity verification methods.

It is clear that while the Bank Negara (BNM) mandates low-cost basic accounts for vulnerable groups, this requirement applies only to citizens and permanent residents. Even with UNHCR-approved identification documents for registered refugees, this exception does not extend to underprivileged individuals in Malaysia. Anand warned that without a valid bank account, underprivileged individuals cannot safely store money, receive formal wages, or start a legitimate business, leaving them vulnerable to wage theft and financial exploitation.

He reiterated that in a modern economy, the right to access financial services with dignity, in line with Article 5 of the Malaysian Constitution, cannot be separated from basic financial inclusion. No one should be denied meaningful financial inclusion, the right to work, and the right to live simply due to trivial or overly formalistic reasons.

The body urges the banking industry, BNM, and relevant authorities to stop neglecting this issue and provide meaningful and humane solutions for those in need, without resorting to court proceedings.