Give stateless persons banking access, urges Malaysian Bar

The Malaysian Bar has called on the banking sector and regulators to take immediate action to address the economic exclusion faced by stateless persons in Malaysia. It is reported that those without recognized identity documents are effectively cut off from the banking system, leaving them trapped in a cash-only existence. Bar president Anand Raj emphasized that the lack of formal banking access makes it nearly impossible for stateless individuals to store money securely, receive formal wages, or start legal businesses.

Anand suggested the use of biometrics and alternative forms of documentation, such as school and medical records, to enable financial inclusion. He pointed out that while Bank Negara Malaysia allows UN High Commissioner for Refugees documents for refugees, it explicitly excludes stateless persons. Anand warned that this denial of formal accounts traps stateless individuals in poverty, exposing them to wage theft and financial exploitation.

He stressed that in a modern economy, the right to earn a living with dignity is tied to having basic financial access. Anand urged the banking industry, BNM, and relevant authorities to stop ignoring the issue and provide meaningful solutions to stateless individuals in need.