Kuching: A 19-year-old man has been unable to open any bank account after his name was blacklisted in Malaysia’s banking system, following the alleged use of a bank account under his name in a scam case dating back to 2024.
The case was shared by DAP Sarawak Chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who said the youth had, without his parents’ knowledge, allowed a friend to open and operate a bank account under his name with CIMB Bank, reportedly in exchange for a promised monthly payment of RM400, which was never received.
“This morning, the young man came to see me with his parents. After some time, he went to CIMB Bank to close his account, thinking everything was fine.
Recently, the young man approached several banks to open a bank account for his salary payment, but he was unable to do so. He was then informed that back in February, 2024, the account that he allowed his friend to operate was used in the commission of a scam,” he said.
Chong said a police report had been lodged by the scam victim, citing the victim’s account number and name.
“Though he has subsequently closed the account in question, his name is now in the blacklist amongst banks in Malaysia, and he cannot open any bank account with any bank.
“As a result of his inability to open a bank account, he lost his employment. This is causing a great deal of anxiety to him and the parents,” Chong said.
Chong explained that the case is currently under investigation in Penang, and authorities say his banking restrictions are expected to remain until the matter is concluded or resolved through legal proceedings.
“I am helping to arrange for the investigation to be expedited and, if the Public Prosecutor decides to prosecute, to have the matter quickly resolved in the Court in Penang.
“Meanwhile, I wish to call upon the general public, especially the youth, not to let anyone use your name to open and operate any bank account (mule account),” he said.
He added, whatever the promised payment, it is not worth the while.
“Furthermore, such a mule account is a tool for scamming others, which makes the holder of the mule account an accomplice to a scam,” he said.
