Malaysia e-Jamin bail system irregularities

Malaysia’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has uncovered significant financial and governance irregularities regarding the e-Jamin online court bail system. Operating in 192 courts since January 2020, the system has functioned for five years without a formal contract or official agreement between the federal government and its operator, Dapat Vista Sdn Bhd.

The PAC reported that approximately RM130.8 million in security deposits were invested under the operator’s name rather than in a Consolidated Trust Account. This practice reportedly generated between RM4 million and RM5 million in annual interest for the company and may violate the Federal Constitution and the Financial Procedure Act 1957. Additionally, an unverified discrepancy of RM557,258 was identified between system records and bank statements.

In response to the findings, the Office of the Chief Registrar of the Federal Court (PKPMP) stated it has been working with relevant agencies to address these issues since January 2024. The PKPMP noted the system continued to operate under a finance ministry exemption to avoid disrupting judicial services. The PAC has recommended that the judiciary develop an independent bail payment system to ensure government control over data and finances.