RM66.6 Billion Unclaimed Inheritance

The Regent of Pahang Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah today expressed his concern over a large number of Muslim inheritance that was frozen or had yet to be inherited by deserving next-of-kin due to problems faced in its management.

He said it was reported that an estimated RM66.6 billion worth of inheritance in Malaysia was still left unresolved and had yet to be divided or claimed by the heirs.  

“We need to remember, wealth is gained from the lifelong hard work of its owners. They had sacrificed their daily needs to make preparation for their future generation. Thus, it is a pity that after their death, their accumulated assets which have become an inheritance is left frozen and wasted. The situation is a loss not to only the heirs but also to Muslims as a whole,” he said during the opening of Masjid Kampung Batu Papan and a break-of-fast event with the residents as well as the presentation of contributions to the underprivileged here today.

Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, state Secretary Datuk Seri Muhamad Safian Ismail, Guai assemblyman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Bera MP Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Tengku Abdullah said Islam encouraged Muslims to allocate wealth to be distributed either in the form of tithes, charitable endowment (waqf) or divided according to laws of Islamic inheritance (Faraid law).

Unfortunately, he said a majority of Muslims were still ignorant in the matter of inheritance management.

“Thus, that is why Islam allows a person to give their wealth as a gift, or also known as 'hibah', to benefit the family members left behind. Hibah, is a part of Islamic jurisprudence, and is encouraged to be given, especially to close family members. Its practice helps, particularly, in resolving inheritance squabbles,” he said.

To address the issue, Tengku Abdullah had suggested for the Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council to work together with the Pahang Islamic Religious Department in promoting awareness on the benefits of hibah, particularly for the Muslims in the state, by providing consultancy services at the district, province and state level.