Cover image via Kwong Wah Daily
An 18-year-old Penangite was shocked to discover he had been blacklisted in the national banking system since the age of 9, despite never having opened a bank account
The student, Zhou Deli (transliteration), who is preparing for further studies, was recently rejected by two separate banks when he attempted to open a personal account, reported Kwong Wah Daily.
At a press conference on Tuesday, 22 April, Zhou shared the ordeal alongside his father Zhou Shulin (transliteration), 54, and Gerakan's Penang public complaints bureau chief Wong Yean Yee (transliteration).
Zhou said his first attempt was with Hong Leong Bank in Bayan Baru in March. However, a staff member informed him that the system flagged him as being on a "Tipping Offensive" blacklist since 2016.
"I was shocked. In 2016, I was only 9 and had never owned a bank account," he said.
Zhou has been accepted into ATC College and is expected to receive a loan in August. However, without a bank account, the disbursement process has stalled.
Image via Kwong Wah Daily
When he checked with Bank Negara Malaysia's (BNM) Penang branch, Zhou found that his Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) report was clean, with no history of financial misconduct
Zhou then tried applying for a new account at Maybank in Queensbay Mall.
While the application initially went through, he later received a call from the bank manager informing him it had been rejected for the same reason — the system showed he was on a blacklist.
No further explanation was provided, and he was told that he wouldn't be able to open an account with any bank in the country, according to the Chinese daily.
He said Penang DAP then advised him to file a police report, contact BNM, or engage a lawyer.
Image via Kwong Wah Daily
The student then lodged a police report on 13 March at the Bayan Baru police station and visited BNM again on 17 March
Security personnel at BNM recommended checking with the courts or reviewing his Credit Tip-Off Service (CTOS) report. While checks with the Penang High Court and CTOS through the Touch 'n Go eWallet revealed no irregularities, the issue remains unresolved, according to Kwong Wah Daily.
Wong, who displayed Zhou's CCRIS report at the press conference, said the matter raises serious questions. The "Tipping Offensive" list typically involves individuals suspected of money laundering, financing of terrorist organisations, or other serious financial crimes.
"How is it possible for a 9-year-old to be involved in such activities?
"BNM owes the public a formal explanation," he said.
Wong also advised Zhou to attempt opening an account at a third bank. If rejected again, he pledged to accompany Zhou in filing a formal report with BNM.
Meanwhile, Zhou's father, a renovation contractor, stressed that their family has never been involved in criminal activity.
"If we had done something wrong, why would we come forward publicly? It doesn't make sense," he said.
