This research aimed to acquire a deeper understanding of the latest amendment of the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955 and its implications faced by the heirs. The methodology involves analyzing documents, such as the Small Estates (Distribution) (Amendment) Act 2022 as well as secondary sources, including journal articles, conference proceedings, newspaper clippings, and websites. Content analysis was used to analyze the data, capturing the insights and extensive knowledge on this area. The study highlights nine significant updates resulting from the amendment. These include expanding the jurisdiction to streamline estate administration, optimizing the existing estate administration system, offering more options and mechanisms for citizens when submitting petitions, and incorporating electronic systems for petition submissions. The limitation of this study is the potential constraint in accessing relevant literature on the specific topic, particularly if it is a niche and emerging subject. To overcome this limitation and gather more comprehensive information, alternative techniques, such as interviews could be explored. Few studies have examined the impact of the recent amendment of the Small Estates (Distribution) Act 1955. This study analysed in details the new provision given to the heirs in smoothing the inheritance process.

As of year 2020, Malaysia’s frozen assets were MYR70 billion. Numerous challenges and issues are raised by this phenomenon, and it becomes incredibly challenging to solve. There are many agencies and bodies that handle the claims, queries and applications related to estate administration in Malaysia, for instance, the Department of Director General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) through the Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP), Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB), and The High Court (HC). However, more than 70 % of these claim applications were received and conducted by the Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP). Thus, this study aims to investigate the process of claiming asset specifically in (BPP). This research is a qualitative research, through reviewing and identifying on existing related literatures in inheritance asset in Malaysia, and also websites from JKPTG to understand the processes. This study acknowledges several reasons that cause heirs unable to proceed with their claim of the assets which cause the increasing number of unclaimed assets. The distribution process will move swiftly once people understand how the BPP claims process operates.

As of year 2020, Malaysia’s frozen assets were MYR70 billion. Numerous challenges and issues are raised by this phenomenon and it has becomes incredibly challenging to solve. There are many agencies and bodies that handle the claims, queries and applications related to estate administration in Malaysia, for instance, the Department of Director General of Lands and Mines (JKPTG) through the Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP), Amanah Raya Berhad (ARB), and The High Court (HC). However, more than 70 % of these claim applications was received and conducted by the Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP). Thus, this study aims to investigate the processes of claiming asset specifically in (BPP). This research is qualitative research, through reviewing and identifying on existing related literatures in inheritance asset in Malaysia, and websites from JKPTG to understand the processes. This study acknowledges several reasons that cause heirs to be unable to proceed with their claim of the assets which causes an increasing number of unclaimed assets. The distribution process will move swiftly once people understand how the BPP claims process operates.

The purpose of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the roles and functions of the Department of Director General of Lands and Mines (Jabatan Ketua Pengarah Tanah dan Galian (JKPTG)) and Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP) under JKPTG to avoid confusion among the nations, especially when comparing them to Pejabat Tanah. JKPTG is the biggest organization or department that administers the estate distribution of the deceased under Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP), which is about 65% of the assets claimed. As we know, Malaysia has struggled with the issue of unclaimed assets among Muslims. The value of unclaimed properties, the majority of which belong to Malays, has risen every year. If this problem is not addressed early on, it will have long-term consequences for the individual, community, and nation. Many studies have been done on this subject, focusing on the cause and solutions, but not many studies have been done on the roles and functions of JKPTG and BPP. Hence, it is vital to address this matter so that JKPTG and Bahagian Pembahagian Pusaka (BPP) under JKPTG can be recognized and become more accessible to the people.