Banking

9POSTS

8 years ago

Hi guys, I have had a bank account (Maybank) in KL for 15 years, today I was told that as I am a foreigner (UK) and don't belong to the MM2H programme my bank account will be closed in 14 days!. I am in KL for about 3 months of every year and have a house with no mortgage. I have been paying bills for utilities through Maybank both when I am here and in the UK but that will now stop. I have enquired with the utilities and they will only accept payments from a local bank, not international which I now cannot get an account for. My options are limited and I can only think of paying a large amount (maybe 2 years upfront to all the utilities - that's if they'll accept it), asking someone local to pay my bills for me or finding a local bank that will accept me without the MM2H visa. Does anyone have any other suggestions, or know of any such bank? Many thanks.

The Malaysia expat guide

Comprehensive and free

Read it now

Terikopec New member

9POSTS

8 years ago

Thanks Gravitas, we had sort of thought that's what we'd have to do. Can you pay the utilities at Pos and 7-eleven over the counter? do you need an original bill or could it be done with a photocopy of the online bill? I am already set up to monitor online. Thanks again

Gravitas ViP

9040POSTS

8 years ago

I think 7-Eleven just needs a transaction ID and they pay through their MOLPay Cash system

Apparently its sufficient to take a photo of the transaction..... so a print-out should be OK

Petronas are also part of the MOL payment system

Terikopec New member

9POSTS

8 years ago

Many thanks, that's very helpful

and a worry off my mind.

Terikopec New member

9POSTS

8 years ago

I don't suppose you know if you have to take your passport to pay assessment tax?

Gravitas ViP

9040POSTS

8 years ago

Don't think so - just the invoice (which for people with property under DBKL is also now available online through Myeg website - )

Terikopec New member

9POSTS

8 years ago

Thank you.

iskandarhack Serial expat

263POSTS

7 years ago

Nothing to add, but I was under the impression that only American citizens were being closed. I know that it took me about six months to open an account, even with a work permit.

Terikopec New member

9POSTS

7 years ago

#10

Just a quick update, I went to HSBC international Bank and opened an account. It is so much easier as there are branches all over the world. I can now continue to pay my bills online and have the added bonus of a debit card!

Gravitas ViP

9040POSTS

7 years ago

#11

Highly surprising as HSBC are usually the most stringent. But guess it was a local branch and not main office in KL. Hopefully they will keep the account open as you have an HSBC relationship in another country.