KUALA LUMPUR – Klang MP Charles Santiago has urged police to investigate the entire banking institution, not just the branch manager of a bank in Klang, over the alleged defrauding of some 45 account holders.
Santiago said a thorough investigation is necessary for immediate action to be taken to ensure the safety of depositors’ savings, should there be possibilities of negligence or fraud.
“We welcome and thank the police force for carrying out an investigation, which is still ongoing.
“We request the police force to clarify whether the probe is focused on the bank officer involved or the entire banking institution itself,” he said in a statement today.
In addition, Santiago called on the force to expedite the ongoing investigation to ensure that parties involved can be prosecuted and consumers are given due protection.
“This is because the case involves depositors comprising the elderly and pensioners who would use the savings for educational and medical purposes, as well as for their daily lives,” he said.
The DAP lawmaker also reiterated calls for the bank involved and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to take the matter seriously, learn to strengthen the trust of depositors, and ensure good governance in each banking agency.
The Vibes reported on Sunday that some 45 victims, all premium account owners, lost millions of ringgit after this particular manager allegedly kept his clients’ bank books, forged their signatures, and withdrew their savings without their knowledge.
Although the manager has since been suspended from his position, Santiago lambasted the bank for keeping mum.
“Six months had passed but the bank has been silent about this matter. It is only raising more questions among the victims of attempts to keep this under wraps,” he said.
He also asked if such scams were allegedly orchestrated by just one employee, or if there is more than meets the eye.
“Banks have a fiduciary duty based on trust and such trust must be realised. What is the mechanism? The question here is: how did one individual manage to scam so many people?
“So are there more people involved in the scam, or is it just one person? We need answers.”
The MP also urged BNM to look into the pressing matter since the central bank is aware of it after complaints had been lodged in January.
Santiago had slammed the central bank, questioning why it is “sitting around” and not doing anything about the issue.
The opposition lawmaker said that if BNM refuses to take action, public confidence in the banking institution itself is now at risk.
“It involves millions of dollars and they know which party is involved. What could they (BNM) possibly be waiting for?”
In response to Santiago’s allegations, Selangor deputy police chief Datuk Sasikala Devi Subramaniam yesterday said the authorities have received a report lodged by the bank on January 31 over customers’ money being swindled by a bank manager in Selangor.
Sasikala said the probe is still ongoing, explaining that once it has concluded, the investigation papers will be referred to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
“The case is being investigated by the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department for criminal breach of trust and under Section 408 of the Penal Code.
“Aside from Section 408, the case is also being investigated under Section 4(1) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001,” she said. – The Vibes, June 28, 2022
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