No power to certify cheques as halal, non-halal: Bank Muamalat

KUALA LUMPUR – Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd has no power to certify a cheque as “halal” or “non-halal”.

Addressing a contentious incident that had occurred over the weekend when a cheque issued by Wah Chai Association was apparently rejected for being “non-halal”, Bank Muamalat head of banking operations Muhamad Radzuan Ab Rahman said there is no distinction between “halal and non-halal” cheques.

He told a press conference today that Bank Muamalat as a financial institution is only responsible for accepting cheques, and has no power to categorise them as “halal” or otherwise.

Radzuan noted that the cheque was rejected due to “technical reasons”.

“There were technical problems, given that the payee’s name did not match the details available in our system.

“After further assessments by the bank, the cheque was later accepted without issue.

“The cheque was deposited through a cheque deposit box, and further clarification was needed to comply with legal requirements.

“This is an isolated misunderstanding among parties dealing over the counter, over a technical issue concerning the cheque.”

On December 24, it was reported that an organisation’s cheque had been rejected in Lobak, Negri Sembilan, after issuing RM1,500 for the beautification of a Chinese cemetery.

Initial reports said the cheque had been allegedly rejected as it was “not halal”.

Lobak assemblyman Chew Seh Yong – who was also present during the press conference – said Bank Muamalat has no policies to distinguish between halal and non-halal cheques.

He said it has since ordered an internal investigation into the matter, adding that the discussions held with Bank Muamalat should be an example of how to solve problems while maintaining unity.

“Look at Bank Muamalat, an Islamic bank – when we discussed it (the matter) together, we came up with a solution embodying the spirit of Malaysia.

“After discussions, it turns out it was merely a technical issue, and they have no policy regarding halal or non-halal cheques,” Chew noted. – The Vibes, December 27, 2021